The cricket world is reeling from Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo. The decision, confirmed by the Government of Pakistan via an official statement on X, has sparked outrage and calls for severe repercussions.

While granting the Pakistan Cricket Team (PCB) permission to participate in the tournament in Sri Lanka, the government stated that the team would not play against India, without specifying a reason. This unprecedented move has been met with strong reactions, with many questioning Pakistan's commitment to the spirit of the game and the integrity of the tournament.

Adding fuel to the fire, a former Indian cricket star has made an explosive remark, suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should expel Pakistan from the T20 World Cup altogether. While the specific identity of the former player and their exact reasoning remain undisclosed in initial reports, their statement reflects the sentiment of many who believe that boycotting a match against a major rival undermines the entire event.

The decision follows weeks of uncertainty and speculation, particularly after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 20-team tournament. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had previously criticized the ICC for unfairly treating Bangladesh, who wanted to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka because of security concerns. Pakistan was the only country siding with Bangladesh, whose demands were ultimately voted down by ICC Board members. Naqvi hinted at a potential boycott of the entire event in protest.

The boycott announcement came shortly after a meeting between Naqvi and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PCB had also postponed the team's jersey reveal, awaiting the final decision on participation.

Pakistan is placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup, alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The team, led by Salman Ali Agha, is scheduled to begin its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.

The ICC is yet to respond to Pakistan's boycott, but it is a clear violation of tournament guidelines. It remains to be seen what course of action the ICC will take. Some reports suggest that India would be awarded two easy points if Pakistan sticks to its decision. Furthermore, Pakistan's net run rate would be negatively affected by the forfeiture.

This situation raises questions about potential future matchups between India and Pakistan in the tournament, especially if both teams were to qualify for the semi-finals or the final. The decision has not only angered fans but also placed the ICC in a difficult position, potentially impacting the tournament's credibility and financial prospects.