T20 World Cup 2026: ‘It is not our decision’ – Salman Ali Agha reacts to Pakistan Government’s call to boycott India fixture

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has reacted to the government’s decision to boycott the team’s T20 World Cup group-stage match against India. On Sunday, February 1, the Government of Pakistan confirmed that the national side would participate in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, but instructed the team to skip the high-profile clash with their arch-rivals.

The decision comes in the wake of the ICC’s removal of Bangladesh from the tournament after they declined to play matches in India citing security concerns. Bangladesh stood firm on their position, prompting the ICC to replace them with Scotland.

Addressing the situation, Agha stated that the matter was beyond the players’ control, emphasising that the squad would adhere strictly to directives issued by the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He made it clear that individual opinions held no weight in such decisions.

Agha added that while Pakistan would compete in the remainder of the tournament, the team would fully comply with official instructions regarding the fixture against India.

“Yes, absolutely, we will go. But that is not our decision, sir, and we cannot do anything about it. Whatever our government and our chairman instruct us to do, we have to follow. Only then will we go, and we will do that,” Agha said in the press conference as quoted by India Today.

Pakistan are scheduled to face the Men in Blue on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Meanwhile, the team comes into the tournament on the back of strong form, having defeated Australia by 111 runs on Sunday to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series.

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States of America, with all their group-stage matches slated to be played in Sri Lanka.

If Pakistan fail to take the field against India on February 15, the contest would be declared a forfeit under ICC regulations, resulting in an automatic loss of two points and a negative impact on their net run rate. As per Playing Conditions clause 16.10.7, the defaulting team is deemed to have used its full quota of overs, while the opposition’s net run rate remains unaffected.

According to sources, the ICC may consider sanctions against Pakistan in light of the ongoing developments. Potential measures could include restrictions on No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players seeking to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a move that could result in significant financial losses. Pakistan could also face the risk of losing its rights to host future ICC tournaments should the situation escalate further.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us: