Sourav Ganguly slams Pakistan over boycott drama (Source:@ANI/x.com)
Even before the on-field fireworks of the T20 World Cup 2026 could begin, off-field drama stole the spotlight. After Pakistan boycotted the group stage clash against India, the entire cricket world remained stunned by that audacious move.
The arch-rivals are set to face each other in Sri Lanka, and Pakistan’s decision to boycott the clash has also stunned former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. Reacting to the move, Ganguly openly questioned Pakistan’s call.
Ganguly fires back at Pakistan over controversial boycott call
Days before the T20 World Cup 2026 was set to begin, full-blown drama erupted as Bangladesh stunned the cricketing world by walking away from the tournament. After taking the entire cricket world by surprise regarding their participation in the tournament, Pakistan confirmed their participation but boycotted their clash against India.
Bangladesh cited security concerns as their reason to boycott the tournament but Pakistan doesn’t have the scope to walk on the same path. On February 15, the arch rivals were scheduled to meet in Sri Lanka. With just days to go before the tournament, the fate of the high-voltage clash still hangs in the balance.
As the cricketing world reels from the decision, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also weighed in. Speaking to the ANI, he questioned the logic behind Pakistan’s bold move when every point matters on the grand stage of a World Cup.
“Backing out of a World Cup…for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any cases so I am really surprised with Pakistan backing out of the World Cup. You come to a World Cup to win it, and every point is important. You can’t lose points in a World Cup. I am a little surprised, but that's the decision they have taken,” Ganguly said.
What awaits the India vs Pakistan clash now?
In the history of cricket rivalries, none has matched the intensity of India vs Pakistan. The thrills of the fierce competition have been spread across the format and have grown even more entertaining over time. As supporters eagerly await these clashes at ICC events, Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India has raised serious eyebrows.
There is still a chance for the dark clouds to clear, as the ICC is set to hold a meeting with the PCB on the issue, with the BCB also joining the talks. BCB president Aminul Islam has landed in Pakistan and is now set to face the PCB chief.
The PCB and BCB are set to have a virtual meeting with the ICC on February 8. As the final fate of the India-Pakistan clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be decided in that meeting.
A rivalry etched in fate and fire
The game of cricket is always interesting, but rivalries are the hidden spark in it. The India-Pakistan rivalry has long ignited passions, making every on-field battle feel extraordinary. However, in recent years, the equation has shifted, with the Men in Green struggling for consistency against the Men in Blue.
In the past few instances of the ICC tournament, Pakistan has been winless in front of the arch-rivals as the Indian side faced immense success. If the upcoming match happens, fans will be excited as Pakistan will be hungry to break the unfortunate jinx as Team India will try hard to keep the domination alive.
