India vs Pakistan (Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has reacted strongly to the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup league match against India. He called the move a matter of principle and accused politics of damaging cricket.
Former captain Rashid Latif on Pakistan boycotting India T20 World Cup match
Sharing his views on X, Yousuf wrote: “Pakistan vs India is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, yet it still suffers from political interference that damages the spirit and pride of the game. In such an unfair environment, the decision not to play becomes an act of principle – an immediate response to protect the integrity of the sport.”The controversy began after the Pakistan government announced on Sunday that the national team would not play India in their group match in Colombo on February 15. The official reason for the decision was not given. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier warned of strong action after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament lineup.The International Cricket Council was quick to respond. The ICC has expressed concern over the long-term impact of such a decision on Pakistan cricket. In a statement, the ICC said: “The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as it is likely to affect the global cricket ecosystem of which it is itself a member and a beneficiary.”Another ICC statement added that selective participation goes against the spirit of global events. It reads: “This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the basic premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms according to the schedule of the event.Sources suggest that the ICC could take strict action if Pakistan insists on its stand. This may include exclusion from the World Cup or future ICC events. The Government of Pakistan also confirmed the decision in an official post saying, “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan gives approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however the Pakistan Cricket Team will not take the field in the match scheduled for 15 February 2026 against India.”If they lose the match, Pakistan will lose two points and suffer a net loss in runs.
