![Salman Agha Suryakumar Yadav's India [Source: AFP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770362494682_SalmanAghaSuryakumarYadav'sIndia.jpg?type=hq)
Salman Agha Suryakumar Yadav's India [Source: AFP Photo]
The T20 World Cup is starting on Saturday, but the excitement is at an all-time low due to the controversies surrounding the India-Pakistan fiasco. Pakistan was placed in India’s group for the T20 World Cup, but at the last moment, the Men in Green decided to boycott the India clash as they felt the BCCI did injustice by replacing Bangladesh with Scotland.
A few days ago, the government of Pakistan revealed that the team will take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but they won’t play against India, a move that showcases solidarity with Bangladesh.
Salman Agha unfazed by Suryakumar's 'no-handshake gesture'
The cold-war between India and Pakistan dates back to the Asia Cup 2025 event, where India played their arch-rivals three times, and each time they decided not to shake hands with them. This was because of the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in April last year.
The decision not to shake hands infuriated the Pakistan side, and even after 5 months, the team still holds a grudge. During Pakistan’s pre-game press conference, captain Salman Ali Agha was asked a question regarding India not greeting the Pakistan players, and the skipper had some harsh words to say about the Men in Blue.
"We are not hurt. But it is not good for the game. I can say that with chest open. We are role models; we can’t do that because kids are watching," Salman Agha said, as quoted by Express Sport.
How India's actions infuriated Pakistan
Suryakumar Yadav and India’s actions of not shaking hands with Pakistan were the turning point, as the Men in Green threatened to boycott their Asia Cup clash against the UAE, but they eventually took a U-turn and played the game. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, wrote a letter to the ICC, pleading to punish India, but that request was turned down by the governing body.
As a result, the Pakistan side demanded their T20 World Cup matches to be played in Sri Lanka, a decision that was accepted by the ICC, until the PCB broke the agreement.
How PCB broke ICC-PCB-BCCI agreement
A pact was already signed between ICC, BCCI, and PCB that India won’t travel to Pakistan for any cricket games, and Pakistan won’t be coming to India as their World Cup games were supposed to be played in Hybrid Model.
However, the PCB decided to breach the agreement as, at the last minute, the board decided to back down from the India game, and has not written a formal letter to the ICC about their official decision. This decision could come at a high cost for the nation, as Pakistan could face heavy penalties.
Punishments Pakistan could face if they boycott India clash
The ICC will reportedly take strict action against the Pakistan cricket team if they decide not to play against India.
The ICC could bar Pakistan from taking part in future World Cup tournaments, which could severely dent its revenue from the ICC shares. Also, the governing body could ask the respective cricketing boards not to send their players to play in the PSL, which is Pakistan’s premium franchise tournament.
With no India-Pakistan clash, both the official broadcasters and the Sri Lankan Cricket will ask for compensation, and the PCB could be responsible for paying that money to them.
.jpg?type=mq "Rahmanullah Gurbaz signed by PSL")
