Batting great Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back in his assessment of Pakistan’s decision to boycott India’s T20 World Cup 2026 match, suggesting that like their retired cricketers who frequently change decisions, Pakistan could be forced to turn around under the pressure of votes in the game, both globally and domestically.
Speaking to India Today’s sister channel AajTak, Gavaskar hit out at Pakistan, noting that their cricketers have set a precedent by often going back on important decisions – an indirect jab at the likes of Shahid Afridi, who have repeatedly announced retirements only to reverse them.
“I think in the next four or five days when reactions start pouring in from around the world and even from their former players, there is a possibility that Pakistan will change their stance,” Gavaskar said.
India and Pakistan were scheduled to face off in a T20 World Cup league match in Colombo on February 15. The Pakistani government created an uproar on Sunday night by announcing that his national team would boycott the match against India.
The decision comes after Pakistan cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi – who also serves as the country’s interior minister – threatened to boycott the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, who have been replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament from February 7.
“What’s new in this? We all know that Pakistani cricketers retire and then, four days later, take their retirement back saying ‘our fans told us to play more’. It could happen again,” Gavaskar said.
“What’s the problem with reversing your decisions? There’s no problem as far as I know.”
“Pakistani players are an example. They keep coming back from retirement. So something like this can happen before the 15th.”
Gavaskar also warned Pakistan of possible sanctions and punishments from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if they continue with their decision to avoid playing India on February 15.
ICC WILL BE HELD
The former Indian captain claimed that the ICC’s hybrid model was designed specifically to suit both India and Pakistan in global tournaments, given that neither nation has been willing to tour the other in recent years.
“If Pakistan does not have a compelling reason to justify withdrawing from a big match against India or if it fails to show grounds for breach of contract, then the ICC board will take action,” he said.
IN in response to Pakistan’s announcement, the ICC said serious concerns about the consequences of the team’s decision to selectively participate in the global tournament.
The ICC said it was still awaiting a formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but made it clear that such a decision would not serve the interests of the sport or its global fan base – including supporters in Pakistan.
The ICC also urged the PCB to carefully assess the wider and long-term implications of the move, noting that any disruption could have a ripple effect throughout the international cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is an active member and beneficiary.
According to BCCI sources, the Indian team will stick to its schedule, travel to Colombo, complete all the pre-match formalities – including training sessions and pre-match press conference – and wait for the umpire’s decision on the matter.
Pakistan had earlier threatened to boycott their match against the UAE in the Asia Cup after protesting match referee Andy Pycroft, claiming he played a role when Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players in Dubai. In the end, they were forced to play the game after claiming the referee had apologized.
GET READY FOR SANCTIONS: HARBHAJAN
Meanwhile, former India opener Harbhajan Singh said that Pakistan’s skipping of the match against India will have a direct impact on the ICC’s revenue and that the global body will have the right to take punitive action.
“Earlier India said they won’t go to Pakistan and Pakistan said they won’t go to India. But now it’s not a problem because of the hybrid model,” Harbhajan said.
“They didn’t have a problem before. Now they have stepped into what was Bangladesh’s problem.”
“This decision can affect the ICC, so the ICC has every right to take legal action. It can affect the whole tournament.”
“Okay Pakistan, don’t play against India – but be ready to face all the sanctions and punishments.”
The India-Pakistan clash remains the most lucrative fixture in world cricket. To capitalize on its commercial and sporting appeal, the ICC has placed the two teams in the same group at every major tournament since 2012, although deteriorating diplomatic relations have ruled out bilateral cricket for the past 14 years.
If Pakistan maintains its stance, the 2026 T20 World Cup will become the first ICC men’s tournament since 2010 not to feature an India-Pakistan match – a development that could open the door for an ICC crackdown on Pakistan.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
February 2, 2026