Mohsin Naqvi Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan. Image Credits: X
Pakistan's T20 captain Salman Agha has reacted to the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the group-stage match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking after Pakistan’s series win against Australia, Agha made it clear that the players have no role in such decisions.
He said the team will follow whatever the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decide.
Salman Agha breaks silence on India match boycott
Salman Agha addressed the media after Pakistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep against Australia in the T20I series. When asked about the India match boycott, he sounded calm and honest.
He explained that the decision was not made by the players. According to Agha, the team only follows instructions from the government and the PCB.
Salman Agha added that whatever the PCB chairman or the government decides, the players will accept it.
“We are going to the World Cup. Humara decision nahi hai, hum kuch nahi kar sakte. (The decision not to play against India isn’t ours, so we cannot do anything about it.) Whatever our government, the PCB chief tells us to do, we will do that only,” Salman Agha told reporters.
The Pakistan government announced that the team will take part in the T20 World Cup but will not play the February 15 group match against India. The game was scheduled to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
ICC reacts strongly to Pakistan’s partial boycott
The ICC, meanwhile, did not take the decision lightly. The apex board said it is waiting for official communication from the PCB. However, it also made its stance clear.
They also aid selective participation, which goes against the idea of a global tournament. All qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms. According to the ICC, such decisions can harm the global cricket ecosystem.
The governing body also warned that this move could have long-term effects on cricket in Pakistan. It said the decision is not in the interest of the game or the fans. This includes millions of fans inside Pakistan.
ICC also stressed that delivering a successful T20 World Cup is the responsibility of all member boards. It also asked the PCB to find a solution that works for everyone involved.
Pakistan enter World Cup with strong momentum
Despite the off-field drama, Pakistan’s on-field form looks strong. The team recently defeated Australia 3-0 in a T20I series. Two of those wins came by margins of more than 90 runs.
The dominant performance has boosted confidence inside the squad. Players look settled and in good rhythm ahead of the World Cup starting on February 7.
Reports from Lahore also state that the boycott only applies to the group-stage match. A knockout clash against India later in the tournament was not discussed as part of the plan.
For now, Pakistan will prepare for the World Cup while the final call remains in the hands of officials.
