Our Bureau
Mumbai
Pakistan has decided to boycott its group‑stage match against India in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a move that has triggered sharp reactions from former players and raised questions about the future of the team in the tournament. The Pakistan government said it is allowing the national team to travel to Sri Lanka for the World Cup but will not let it take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo.
The decision came after Bangladesh was removed from the event for refusing to play in India over security concerns, and Pakistan positioned its boycott as a show of solidarity with its neighbour. However, the International Cricket Council has warned that “selective participation” goes against the spirit of a global event and has hinted at possible sanctions, including the risk of Pakistan being excluded from the World Cup or future ICC events.
On the subcontinent, reactions have been mixed. Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar said the boycott would hurt Pakistan’s own cricket more than anyone else, arguing that every missed India–Pakistan game means lost revenue and fan interest.
Among Pakistan’s own legends, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf expressed regret over the call but said they backed the government’s stance once it was taken. As the World Cup begins on February 7, the status of Pakistan’s full participation, and the handling of the India fixture, remains one of the biggest political and sporting stories of the tournament.
