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Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has voiced his deep astonishment regarding Pakistan's decision to boycott their highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Ganguly questioned the logic behind the move, especially since the fixture is scheduled to take place at a neutral venue in Colombo on February 15. He emphasized that every point is crucial in a World Cup and expressed confusion as to why a team would willingly forfeit such a significant game.
I am surprised of Pakistan backing out: Sourav Ganguly
The decision from Pakistan reportedly stems from a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh, after the latter was replaced in the tournament by Scotland following security concerns. Ganguly’s comments come at a time of heightened tension, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and various cricket boards navigate the fallout of this selective participation. Despite the surrounding controversy, Ganguly remains focused on the tournament's competitive spirit, noting that India is well-prepared and remains a favorite to lift the trophy on home soil.
"Backing out of a World Cup for what. They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised of Pakistan backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important," Ganguly said as quoted by ANI.
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What's next on IND vs PAK T20 World Cup logjam?
The geopolitical tensions surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup reached a boiling point after Pakistan announced a formal boycott of its marquee fixture against India. This decision was framed as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh, who had previously declined to travel to India for the tournament due to security concerns. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, described the move as a "considered stance," leading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to instruct the team to skip the high-stakes match while continuing to participate in the rest of the tournament.
Recent reports suggest a potential shift in the standoff, as the ICC and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have urged the PCB to reconsider the boycott to avoid massive financial and sporting repercussions. While Pakistan’s government originally stated the team would not take the field, back-channel talks are currently underway to resolve the logjam. As of now, the fixture remains on the official schedule, with the cricket world watching closely on what will happen next.
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