Pakistanis have strongly supported the government’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The move comes amid heated debates in cricket circles and intense public attention. Following a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, officials confirmed that Pakistan will compete in the T20 World Cup starting February 7. However, the team will skip their high-profile match against arch-rivals India.
The government acted in response to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) biased treatment of Bangladesh. The boycott shows solidarity with Bangladesh, which the ICC replaced with Scotland after refusing to travel to India due to security concerns. Bangladesh had requested to move its matches to Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected the request.
Under the current arrangement with India, Pakistan will play all ICC event matches at neutral venues. In the T20 World Cup, the Men in Green will compete in Sri Lanka.
Cricketing Community Reacts Positively
The ICC urged the PCB to find a “mutually acceptable resolution” and consider long-term consequences for cricket. Nevertheless, Pakistanis widely praised the boycott decision.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi supported the move. He urged the ICC to prove its fairness and impartiality through actions, not words. Former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousaf posted on X that the government took a “tough but necessary stand” and said principles must come before commercial interests. He also criticized selective influence in world cricket.
Former PCB chief Najam Sethi backed the decision on social media. Former cricketer Rashid Latif questioned the ICC’s demand for Pakistan to reconsider. He reminded critics that Australia, West Indies, England, and New Zealand had forfeited matches in the past for political or security reasons. “ICC must realise they have been checkmated,” he said.
Test batter Abid Ali emphasized national pride and glory. Analyst and former Test cricketer Sikander Bakht called the decision “wonderful.” He cited India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani officials and players as justification. Bakht also highlighted the 2025 Asia Cup controversy, where India refused to receive the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the PCB.
Bakht suggested extending the boycott to all India matches across formats, including U19 and women’s games. He urged the government to apply pressure until Bangladesh is reinstated in the tournament.
Public reaction on social media also showed strong support. One user wrote on X, “I support Pakistan Government’s decision to boycott the #T20WorldCup game against India.”
National Pride and Principles Take Precedence
The boycott highlights Pakistan’s focus on national pride, fairness, and cricketing principles. The team will continue to compete globally, but officials and experts agree that standing firm against selective treatment sends a strong message. Pakistanis continue to support the government’s decision, uniting behind the sport and national values.
