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Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has spoken about his government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, which is scheduled to be played on February 15 in Sri Lanka.
Salman Ali Agha on India vs Pakistan clash
Speaking from Sri Lanka, where the Pakistan team is currently preparing for the tournament, Agha made it clear that the players did not take the call. He said the decision came from the government and the team would respect it.
“It is the government’s decision,” Agha said. “As players, we will follow whatever the government asks us to do.”
The Pakistan captain added that the team remains focused on the tournament and will act according to the instructions given to them.
"The India game, it's not in our control. It's a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we do that. And then, yeah, we're playing three other games, and we are very excited for that. Yeah, we lost to USA in the last World Cup, but that's history now. And it's a new World Cup, and it's a new team, and it's a new combination. And we are very excited for that" said Salman Ali Agha ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.
Will Pakistan play India in the knockouts if they manage to do so?
When asked whether Pakistan would boycott or play India if the two teams meet again in the later stages of the T20 World Cup, including the Super 8, Salman Ali Agha chose not to give a direct answer. He said the team would follow whatever decision is taken by the government.
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Agha made it clear that such matters are beyond the players’ control and that the squad will act according to the instructions they receive.
"I have mentioned that before. It is a government decision and we respect that. We will do what they are going to say and we will do that. Regardless - I do not know if the game is going to happen or not, but the government has said one thing and we are going to do that. I do not know about the game" Agha added.
Salman Agha for Bangladesh
Salman Ali Agha also thanked Bangladeshi fans who have shown support for Pakistan during this time. He said it was really sad to see Bangladesh not taking part in the World Cup.
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Bangladesh were ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after they refused to travel to India for their matches. Following the decision, the ICC removed them from the tournament and brought in Scotland as their replacement.
"Well, they are our brothers. Thank you very much for them supporting us. And I'll say they can support us in the tournament as well. And it's really sad to see them. They are not playing the World Cup. But yeah, thank you so much for them supporting us. And hopefully, they can carry on supporting us in the tournament as well" agha also added.
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