Former India cricketer Chetan Sharma believes that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will take u-turn from their decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka. Notably, Pakistan want to boycott their World Cup group stage clash against India to solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced with Scotland in the marquee event.
Pakistan will take a U-turn: Chetan Sharma
In the exclusive chat with Sports Tak during Salam Cricket, Chetan Sharma, who also served as BCCI chief selector, believes that Pakistan will change their decision after the Bangladesh elections, which will take place on February 12.
"Bangladesh has elections on the 12th. After that, you’ll see a U-turn. There will be a statement saying, ‘Considering public sentiment, cricket should continue.’ I’ve been a politician; I’ve contested elections. When you’re a cricketer, cricket runs in your blood, when you’re a politician, politics does. After the elections, maybe even the army chief will say that sport should be kept free of politics and the match should go ahead" said Chetan Sharma.
Statements mean nothing without official confirmation: Chetan Sharma
Chetan Sharma further explained that the Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to tell the International Cricket Council (ICC) about their decision to boycott the India clash, and sentiments are nothing without official confirmation.
"As of now, Pakistan hasn’t formally communicated anything to the ICC. Statements mean nothing without official confirmation. Anyone can announce retirement—but unless you submit it officially, nothing changes" added Chetan Sharma.
Why ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026 after a disagreement over security concerns. Bangladesh had refused to send their team to India for the group-stage matches, asking instead to move their games to co-host Sri Lanka.
The ICC reviewed the situation and, after an independent assessment, found no credible security threat. When the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) missed the final 24-hour deadline to confirm participation on January 21, 2026, the ICC officially removed them from the tournament and invited Scotland to take their place.