Shahid Afridi criticises Pakistan government [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @India30141193/X.com]Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has reacted strongly to Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match at the T20 World Cup 2026. Afridi called the move regrettable but also said he supports his government’s stance. However, many fans see a contradiction in his views, given his long-standing belief that sports and politics should remain separate. Shahid Afridi calls boycott regrettable but backs Pakistan governmentFormer Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi recently shared his views after the Pakistan government confirmed it would not allow the team to play India at the T20 World Cup. The high-profile match was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. But Afridi said he feels regret over the decision. He always believed cricket helps bring people closer. According to him, the sport can open doors when politics fails.However, Afridi also said he stands with his government. He made it clear that national decisions must be respected. In his message on social media, the ex-cricketer urged the ICC to step in.Shahid Afridi's tweet [Source: @SAfridiOfficial/X.com]He asked the ICC to show leadership through action, not just words. Shahid Afridi said the ICC must prove it is fair and independent. He wants the governing body to treat all member nations equally. ICC and PCB caught in growing World Cup rowMeanwhile, Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match has added to an already tense situation. The PCB has been unhappy with the ICC since Bangladesh was removed from the tournament. The PCB believes the ICC did not act fairly in that case. This disagreement later spilled into the India match issue.The ICC has already stated that selective participation goes against the spirit of global tournaments. It has warned that such decisions can harm the game and its fans.India, meanwhile, has said it will follow all ICC protocols. The Indian team is set to travel to Sri Lanka and wait for the match referee’s call.The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7. It is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The uncertainty around the India vs Pakistan clash remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the event.Afridi’s past comments add to the ironyThat being said, Shahid Afridi’s current stance has surprised many fans. In the past, he has strongly spoken against mixing politics with sports.He was involved in controversy last year when India Legends refused to play Pakistan Legends in the World Championship of Legends. At that time, Afridi questioned political interference in sport.Shahid Afridi had said sports help people move forward together and also used strong words to criticise players who refused to compete due to political reasons.Now, critics feel Afridi’s position has changed. While he still talks about regret, he is also supporting political involvement in cricket.All things said and done, the India vs Pakistan rivalry is one of the biggest attractions in world cricket. Its absence at a World Cup stage would disappoint millions of fans. For now, the focus remains on how the ICC handles the situation.
