Pakistan’s government announced on February 1 that the national team will participate in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but will boycott its scheduled match against India. The decision was made in protest of an ICC ruling related to Bangladesh. Following the announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) responded with a statement urging Pakistan to reconsider its stance and to uphold the spirit of global competition.

The ICC noted that it respects national policies but emphasized that a boycott contradicts the fundamental purpose of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams are expected to compete under equal conditions. It warned that Pakistan’s decision could harm the integrity and fairness of the tournament and negatively affect fans worldwide. The ICC also stated it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the matter.

Expressing optimism for resolution, the ICC said its priority is to ensure the World Cup’s successful completion and encouraged the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled match against India in the upcoming 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, citing solidarity with Bangladesh. The decision was confirmed Sunday night through an official statement on the Pakistani government’s X account. While Pakistan will still participate in the tournament, it will skip the February 15 fixture against India. The move followed discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who finalized the boycott decision.

This marks the first time a team has officially boycotted a World Cup match in support of another nation. The PCB acknowledged potential financial penalties and loss of revenue but framed the decision as a stand against India’s dominance in world cricket. The boycott follows Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament after the ICC replaced it with Scotland, rejecting Bangladesh’s request to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns.

The ICC’s decision has drawn global criticism, with PCB Chairman Naqvi and Indian sports journalist Sharda Ugra accusing the body of double standards favoring India. Pakistan’s boycott is seen as a significant challenge to the ICC’s handling of member nations’ disputes.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that India was behind the recent coordinated attacks in Balochistan, saying all investigative links point toward India. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the assaults, which occurred on Saturday across multiple locations. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces killed 92 militants, while 18 civilians and 15 soldiers were reported dead during clearance operations and clashes.

The BLA described the attacks on social media as the second phase of “Operation Heroof.” Pakistan’s government has labeled the BLA and other Baloch groups as “Fitna al Hindustan,” accusing them of acting as Indian proxies in a hybrid war aimed at destabilizing the country. Security sources claimed that Indian media and India-linked social media accounts promoted supportive narratives during the attacks.

Asif, speaking in Sialkot, said the BLA sought foreign funding from India and tried to mask its activities under human rights campaigns. He added that militants used women and children in operations and vowed to neutralize all remaining threats despite Balochistan’s challenging terrain.

Pakistan completed a 3-0 whitewash over Australia in the three-match T20 series, winning the final game by 111 runs. Batting first, Pakistan scored 207 for 6 in 20 overs, led by Saim’s 56 off 37 balls, Babar’s unbeaten 50 from 36 deliveries, and Shadab Khan’s quickfire 46 off 19 balls. In reply, Australia collapsed for 96 in 16.5 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to recover from early setbacks.

Marcus Stoinis top-scored for Australia with 23 runs, followed by Cameron Green with 22 and Josh Philippe with 14, while no other batter reached double figures. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz dismantled the Australian batting lineup, taking 5 wickets for 18 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. Shaheen Afridi also contributed with two wickets.

The victory sealed a comprehensive series sweep for captain Salman Ali Agha’s team, maintaining their winning momentum after securing the series in the first two matches.

A newly released set of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, known as the 'Epstein Files,' includes a 2013 email describing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan as a 'London society lion' or an influential figure in London’s elite circles. The email, written by former UN official Nasra Hassan to Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, discussed using Khan’s influence to support Western-backed initiatives in Pakistan, particularly health and vaccination programs.

At the time, Imran Khan was an opposition politician and former cricket star, known internationally more for his social connections than for holding public office. Hassan’s email suggested that Khan’s social reach made him a potentially more effective intermediary on sensitive diplomatic issues, such as polio eradication, than then–Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The correspondence indicated that Western partners considered engaging Khan to advance health campaigns in Pakistan.

The emails were released as part of an ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s financial and professional networks, shedding light on the diplomatic discussions surrounding Pakistan’s health initiatives in 2013.

At least 125 people were killed in a series of clashes between separatist groups and security forces in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan. According to a report by Geo News, 15 security personnel and 18 civilians were killed in coordinated attacks by separatists on January 31, while security forces claimed to have killed 92 militants in subsequent clearance operations. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the attacks targeted multiple areas including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni.

The ISPR described the attackers as members of an India-backed group called “Fitna al-Hindustan,” alleging that the assaults aimed to disrupt normal life and hinder development activities in Balochistan. Security forces reported recovering large quantities of weapons and explosives during the operations. The banned separatist organization Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting that it had killed more than fifty security personnel.

Following the violence, security alerts were heightened across the province as tensions rose sharply in Balochistan.

At least 47 people were killed in a series of militant attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to a Geo News report on Saturday citing security sources. The report said that Indian-backed militants carried out separate assaults at 12 locations, killing at least 10 police officers. Security forces responded with counterattacks that left 37 militants dead. Operations against the attackers were still ongoing in several areas.

A security source identified the assailants as members of the India-backed group ‘Fitna al Hindustan,’ which attempted coordinated strikes across Balochistan. The source said timely and effective action by security forces prevented the attacks from succeeding. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security personnel, commending their bravery in thwarting what he described as the terrorists’ malicious objectives.

The violence occurred a day after two separate operations in Balochistan killed 41 India-supported militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Those operations took place on January 29 near Harnai district and in Panjgur district.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and jailed leader Imran Khan underwent eye surgery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors confirmed the procedure was completed without any complications. PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar stated that the operation on Khan’s right eye lasted about 20 minutes, during which he remained stable. After receiving necessary post-operative instructions and documentation, Khan was discharged from the hospital.

According to Dr. Sikandar, medical examinations revealed that pressure on blood vessels had caused reduced vision in Khan’s right eye. All required tests were conducted, and the surgery was performed with Khan’s prior consent. Earlier, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Khan had been temporarily moved to PIMS for examination by eye specialists.

Separately, the PTI had sought the Supreme Court’s assistance to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan and his personal physicians on Thursday, indicating ongoing coordination regarding his medical care.

Pakistan’s military said 41 militants were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, reaffirming its commitment to continue counterterrorism efforts. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on January 30, the operations were conducted on January 29 in different areas of the province. The ISPR claimed the militants were linked to groups called ‘Fitna al-Kharij’ and ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ allegedly supported by India.

In Harnai district, security forces launched an operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of ‘Fitna al-Kharij’ members, killing 30 militants and seizing large quantities of weapons and explosives. Another operation in Panjgur district destroyed a hideout of ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ killing 11 militants and recovering weapons, ammunition, and money allegedly stolen during a 2025 bank robbery. The military said sanitization operations were ongoing to ensure no other militants remained in the area.

The ISPR added that under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies would continue full-scale operations to eliminate foreign-backed terrorism. It also noted that cross-border attacks have increased since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly been denied meetings with visitors for over five weeks, according to his party. His family claims the restriction aims to block his messages from reaching the public and blames military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, though the government denies this. Officials say Khan violated prison rules by discussing politics, while rights groups warn that dissent is being increasingly suppressed.

The report highlights a broader pattern of crackdowns on journalists, lawyers, and activists. Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband were sentenced to ten years in prison for sharing alleged anti-state posts, prompting Amnesty International to urge Pakistan to halt its repression of dissent. Media workers describe growing censorship, self-censorship, and financial pressure on outlets like Dawn, while new laws under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act have tightened restrictions on criticism of state institutions.

Analysts and rights advocates say the military’s influence over politics and media has deepened, pushing Pakistan closer to authoritarian rule. The government and military, however, insist their actions remain within legal bounds and necessary for national security.

Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the opening match of their three-match T20 series, taking a 1–0 lead. Batting first, Pakistan scored 168 for eight in 20 overs, with Saim Ayub contributing 40 runs off 22 balls and Salman Agha adding 39. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers with four wickets for 24 runs. In reply, Australia managed 146 for eight, falling short despite a late effort from Xavier Bartlett, who remained unbeaten on 34. The second match of the series is scheduled for Saturday in Lahore.

Australia’s chase faltered early, losing Matthew Short for 5 and Travis Head for 23. Cameron Green top-scored with 36 before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz, leaving Australia struggling at six wickets down before reaching 100. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub, maintained control to secure the victory.

Saim Ayub was named player of the match for his all-round performance, helping Pakistan move ahead in the series before the next encounter in Lahore.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir has declared that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to safeguard national sovereignty and regional integrity against all forms of threats. He made the statement on Wednesday during a visit to the Bahawalpur Garrison, according to a release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) cited by Geo News.

During the inspection, Munir praised the officers and soldiers for their high morale, professional competence, and operational readiness. He emphasized the importance of maintaining maximum preparedness to meet future battlefield and security challenges.

Munir noted that the Pakistan Armed Forces are undergoing significant transformation across various sectors. He said that the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and that future conflicts will depend heavily on technological strategies. To address this, Pakistan’s military is swiftly adopting modern technologies.

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Pakistan due to heightened security concerns. On January 26, the US Department of State updated its travel advisory, placing Pakistan under Level 3, or “Reconsider Travel,” citing risks of crime, violence, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The advisory was reported by Pakistani daily Dawn.

According to the statement, terrorist attacks in Pakistan may occur without warning, with potential targets including transport hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security installations, airports, trains, educational institutions, hospitals, places of worship, tourist areas, and government buildings. Certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been classified as Level 4, or “Do Not Travel,” due to frequent incidents of targeted killings and kidnappings affecting both officials and civilians.

The advisory also warned that participating in unauthorized demonstrations in Pakistan is a punishable offense, noting that some US citizens have previously been detained for such activities. The Level 3 alert indicates serious security risks, while Level 4 represents the highest level of caution, advising against all travel.

Pakistan’s legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has said that politics should not be mixed with sports, describing it as harmful not only to cricket but also to humanity. Speaking to India’s news agency NNI after Bangladesh’s elimination from the T20 World Cup, Mushtaq criticized the involvement of politics in cricket and emphasized that the game should unite nations rather than divide them.

In the interview, Mushtaq stated that politics should be eradicated because it acts as an enemy to humanity and damages both sports and players. He reiterated that cricket is meant to be a source of entertainment, not a battlefield or a tool of conflict. The former Pakistan cricketer declined to comment on Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India, saying he does not believe in politics.

Mushtaq’s remarks underline his long-held view that cricket should remain a unifying and entertaining sport, free from political interference and national disputes.

Pakistan is reportedly considering boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, which has already withdrawn from the tournament. The discussion has sparked widespread debate about the potential impact on the event. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali warned that if Pakistan pulls out, international broadcasters could face severe financial losses, as India-Pakistan matches represent one of the largest markets for viewership and advertising revenue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the final decision on participation will be made by the government, increasing uncertainty around the tournament. Basit Ali praised Naqvi’s recent press conference, saying it placed the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a difficult position. According to various sources cited in the report, the ICC has issued a strong warning to Pakistan against boycotting, suggesting that such a move could lead to unprecedented sanctions affecting the PCB’s finances and international standing.

If Pakistan proceeds with a boycott, the report suggests the entire tournament could face disruption and long-term repercussions for global cricket governance and broadcasting interests.