Addressing the federal cabinet, the premier said the call was made after careful and collective deliberation, describing it as an “appropriate decision” in response to the politicisation of sport.
"We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India," he said.
"There should be no politics in sports," he said. "We have taken this stand after deliberating on it carefully," he said, calling it an "appropriate decision".
Shehbaz also urged Pakistan to stand with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after seeking to have the 2026 T20 World Cup moved from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board took the step earlier this month, shortly after the BCCI-directed release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
