NEW DELHI: Pakistan's T20 World Cup jersey, whose unveiling had been postponed earlier, was finally revealed after the government gave its go-ahead for the team's participation in the tournament in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, even as it announced a boycott of the high-profile league match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

The jersey reveal eventually took place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after Pakistan's third T20I against Australia, ending days of speculation around the event. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the launch was pushed back as doubts lingered over the team's involvement in the World Cup and was held only once the government gave formal approval.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha, joined by senior stars Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, formally unveiled the new kit.

Branded as the "Vanguard Markhor Edition," the new jersey comes in a light green shade accented with darker green detailing and is highlighted by the image of Pakistan's national animal, the Markhor.

Pakistan's decision of boycottng India match is being seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.

Timeline: Events that led to Pakistan boycotting India in the T20 World Cup

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government posted on social media.

The ICC, on its part questioned the Pakistan government's decision and also issued a warning that this boycott could lead to punitive sanctions.

"The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of," the global body said in a statement.