It is expected that PCB will backtrack from its boycott stance in the coming days.
The Government of Pakistan has granted permission for its national team to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but instructed them not to take the field for their group-stage clash against India on February 15 in Colombo
Even though the ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed, Pakistan haven’t changed their stance yet. The arch-rivals are placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA.
Speaking to the media, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly on Sunday (February 8) slammed Pakistan’s boycott stance of a single match, saying he couldn’t wrap his head around the logic behind the move.
If the Men in Green fail to take the field against India, the match will be ruled a forfeit under ICC rules, resulting in an automatic loss of two points and a hit to their net run rate. Moreover, severe sanctions are likely to be imposed on PCB that could isolate Pakistan cricket.
Amid the possibility of sanctions, it is expected that PCB will backtrack from its stand in the coming days.
“Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka anyway. I am surprised Pakistan are backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important,” Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of the BPCL auction.
Recently, it was reported that PCB had reached out to ICC after the apex body sought an explanation on how the force majeure clause can be invoked to justify the team's refusal to play India, and also warned the Pakistan board of potential legal implications.
On Sunday, the ICC delegation, led by deputy chair Imran Khawaja, landed in Lahore to have discussions with the PCB officials.
According to multiple reports, Pakistan’s boycott U-turn is now on the cards as PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the matter once again before a final decision is reached.
Meanwhile, Ganguly threw his weight behind India’s aggressive batting approach in the T20 World Cup despite their collapse in the campaign opener against the USA.
“That’s what T20 cricket is — you have to keep hitting,” Ganguly said. “They are very good players and have been doing this for a long time. There will be games where things don’t come off because they are human beings.”
“This is a very powerful team — strong in batting, bowling, spin and fielding. As the World Cup progresses, they will only get better. Once you get into the tournament, the rhythm comes back. I consider India favourites, and they will be very hard to beat."