'Not going to solve their problems...': 1983 World Cup winner's blunt verdict on Pakistan's boycott of India clash

Former India cricketer Madan Lal feels that the Pakistan government and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are damaging cricket in their country by supporting Bangladesh. He also said that both Pakistan and Bangladesh will suffer together by not doing the right thing.

Madan also remarked that the likes of New Zealand, England, South Africa and Australia are among the biggest countries when it comes to cricket and are going to get good crowds in their stadiums even if both Pakistan and Bangladesh do not participate in tournaments held there.

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"I think the Pakistan government or PCB, they are all damaging their own cricket. It's not going to solve their problems. Someone has to be there to think right. They are not thinking right at the moment. They want to support Bangladesh. You keep on supporting Bangladesh. That's not our business," Madan said, speaking to ANI.

"At the end of the day, Bangladesh is going to suffer, and Pakistan is going to suffer... The main thing is New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia, they are the biggest countries for cricket, they're going to get the crowds, they're going to get all the sponsorship," he added.

Pakistan boycott T20 WC clash vs India

This explosive statement comes after Pakistan decided to boycott their match against India in the T20 World Cup that was set to be played on February 15 at the R. Premadasa stadium. Though the Men in Green have been allowed to participate in the tournament by the government, they have also been told to not take the field for their clash against the Men in Blue.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," a post of the government’s X account read.

India's massive lead in H2H record

If the match does end up going ahead, India will undoubtedly be the favourites to win over arch-rivals Pakistan as they firmly lead in the head-to-head record. The Men in Blue have emerged victorious in seven out of the eight matches that they have played against their arch-rivals in the T20 World Cup. The H2H record currently stands at 7-1.

Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan are set to begin their T20 World Cup campaigns on February 7 itself with the clashes against USA and Netherlands respectively. It remains to be seen if the two teams will manage to make it through the group stage and qualify for Super 8.