The Pakistan government has given its approval for the national cricket team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup, but has ordered the side to boycott their group match against India on 15 February.
In a statement on its official X account, the government said the team may take part in the tournament but must not take the field against India. Pakistan are scheduled to play their Group A fixtures in Sri Lanka, maintaining their policy of not touring India because of geopolitical tensions.
Bilateral cricket between the two neighbours has been suspended since a military conflict last year. The International Cricket Council has brokered an arrangement allowing matches to be played at neutral venues when either country hosts a global tournament.
The decision to boycott the India match is a significant blow to the tournament, as an India-Pakistan clash is considered cricket's biggest blockbuster. Pakistan, champions in 2009, had already announced their squad for the 20-team event, which begins on 7 February, but stressed participation was subject to government approval.
Political tensions have already affected the World Cup: Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India over safety concerns. The souring of relations was also evident at last year's Asia Cup in Dubai, where India beat Pakistan three times, including in the final, but refused to shake hands with opponents or accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister.
