India head coach Gautam Gambhir dodged a question about Pakistan’s boycott against India ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, choosing not to comment on the sensitive issue. Gambhir was approached by reporters at the airport on his departure for Mumbai, where the Indian team is scheduled to play its first warm-up match against South Africa.
The Indian coach first thanked the media personnel for wishing the Indian team all the best ahead of the tournament. When asking about Pakistan has refused to play India in the upcoming World CupGambhir ignored the question and continued walking without offering an answer.
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The Pakistan government granted its cricket team permission to participate in the tournament but withheld approval for the side to take the field against India. The decision sparked widespread debate given the financial and sporting significance of India and Pakistan meeting at the global event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to receive an official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the alleged boycott. However, the governing body already warned of serious consequences if the match does not go according to plan.
Meanwhile, India seems to be concentrating on their preparations on the field. The team will face South Africa in a warm-up match as they prepare for the tournament, which begins on February 7. India and Pakistan have been drawn in the same group along with Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, with their much-anticipated clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 3, 2026