Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : ‘There should be no…’ – Firstpost and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has justified the decision to boycott the match against India in T20 World Cup 2026 as he extended his support to Bangladesh.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has finally broken the silence on his government’s disallowing the Pakistan cricket team to play against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, saying the bold decision was taken against “politics” in sport and the removal of Bangladesh from the International Cricket Council (ICC) event.
The Pakistan government announced on 1 February that they will not be playing against India in the Group A T20 World Cup 2026 match on 15 February in Colombo. While the
government statement did not specify any reasons, it came soon after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup for refusing to play their matches in India.
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While Bangladesh had claimed a security threat, ICC rejected the argument and replaced them with Scotland.
Pakistan PM Sharif breaks silence on India match boycott
Now, finally breaking the silence on the matter, Pakistan PM Sharif reiterated that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, claiming the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been a victim of politics.
“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” Sharif said during his address to the federal cabinet in Islamabad.
“There should be no politics in sports; it is our clear stand. We have taken this stand after careful deliberation. We are with Bangladesh, and I think this is the right and proper decision,” he added.
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Meanwhile, there are reports that ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are currently
engaged in “backchannel” talks, with the global body hoping for a change in the status quo.
International cricket faces a
massive $250 million loss if India does not play Pakistan, a development that would have a disastrous ripple effect across the sport. The central ICC revenue pool can shrink, leading to a lesser share for members, a lack of investment in the sport, and curtailing its growth.
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