Former cricketers, politicians react to Pakistan boycotting India match in T20 World Cup

LAHORE (Dunya News) - The government has cleared Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but decided that the national team will not play its scheduled match against arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo.

The decision follows uncertainty over Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament after Bangladesh pulled out amid rising tensions with India, one of the event’s co-hosts.

According to a government source, Pakistan’s refusal to face India is aimed at expressing solidarity with Bangladesh and protesting what was described as the ICC’s “biased approach” in handling Bangladesh’s concerns.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), responding swiftly and even before an official statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said that selective participation conflicted with the core principle of global tournaments, where all qualified teams are expected to compete under a fixed schedule and on equal terms.

The development sparked widespread reaction across the cricketing and political spectrum.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi termed the situation “regrettable” but backed the government’s stance, saying cricket often bridges divides but principles sometimes demand tough decisions.

I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 2, 2026

He also urged the ICC to demonstrate impartiality through its actions rather than statements.

Former batsman Mohammad Hafeez expressed concern for fans, calling the situation far from ideal and linking current tensions to earlier incidents, including India’s refusal to shake hands during a previous Asia Cup encounter.

Former star batsman Mohammad Yousuf described the government’s move as a “tough but necessary” stand, arguing that principles should take precedence over commercial interests.

Also Read: Pakistan to play T20 World Cup 2026, skip clash against India

He later added that Pakistan–India matches, among the biggest spectacles in world sport, continue to suffer due to political interference, undermining the spirit of the game.

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen questioned whether Pakistan would also refuse to play India should the two teams meet in the final, highlighting the uncertainty the decision has introduced into the tournament.

Sports journalist Yahya Hussaini noted that with the government’s backing, there was little legal ground for action against the PCB, though he said efforts could still be made over the next two weeks to persuade the board to reconsider.

In international cricket, the @TheRealPCB is a reality. After the decision of the Government of Pakistan , there remains no legal standing for any action against the Board. There are two weeks available to persuade the Pakistan Cricket Board.

— Syed Yahya Hussaini (@SYahyaHussaini) February 1, 2026

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed welcomed the move, praising the PCB for standing with Bangladesh and criticising what he called double standards by the ICC in past venue-related decisions involving India.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif questioned the ICC’s swift reaction, calling it panic-driven, and pointed to past instances where teams forfeited matches without similar scrutiny. He argued that the governing body now faced a challenging situation.

Reacting sharply, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari accused the ICC of promoting Indian dominance.