Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly confirmed the government’s decision to boycott the national men’s cricket team’s highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against India, as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh.
In televised remarks, Sharif said that the boycott of the February 15 fixture in Colombo was taken after “careful deliberation” and framed the stance as one that underscores support for Bangladesh, a key regional partner, rather than a direct rebuke of India.
“We have taken a very clear position on the T20 World Cup. We will not play the match against India,” he told cabinet members, calling the move “appropriate” and rooted in the belief that “politics should not exist on the sports field.”
The boycott decision follows a diplomatic and sporting row that erupted earlier in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Bangladesh was removed from the tournament and replaced by Scotland after refusing to play its matches in India, citing security concerns that were dismissed by tournament organizers.
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Bangladesh’s government sought a venue change to Sri Lanka, where Pakistan has agreed to play all its matches, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request.
Pakistan’s move has been welcomed by Bangladeshi officials, with Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly thanking Islamabad for its support amid the ongoing fallout.
“Thank you, Pakistan,” Nazrul wrote on social media, framing the boycott as a shared protest against what Dhaka sees as unfair treatment in the World Cup arrangements.
The ICC has expressed concern over Pakistan’s selective participation, warning that forfeiting a match could have “significant and long-term implications” for the sport’s governance and the principles of global competition.
Pakistan risks forfeiting two points with the boycott, potentially complicating its path in the tournament and fueling debate over whether further sanctions could be imposed.
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said he hoped politics would not overshadow one of cricket’s most watched fixtures; traditionally the most viewed match of the event.
