Pakistan to Boycott India in Upcoming T20 World Cup

Pakistan to Boycott India in Upcoming T20 World Cup

In a major development ahead of the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that while Pakistan will participate in the tournament, the team will not play against India. The PCB stated that the decision is a show of solidarity with Bangladesh and a call for fairness and respect in cricket.

The announcement has triggered a strong backlash in India. Media outlets, journalists, former cricketers, and cricket analysts have expressed anger over Pakistan’s decision, claiming it disrupts the spirit of the World Cup. Many have called on the ICC to take strict action against Pakistan, demanding that the team be banned from the tournament. Some voices have even suggested that overseas players should not be allowed to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as a form of protest.

PCB officials, however, remain firm that Pakistan will fully participate in the T20 World Cup but will refuse to face India, making a clear stand for respect, solidarity, and justice in cricket.

The controversy stems from the Asia Cup 2025, where the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan in all three matches—neither at the toss nor after the games. This incident created tension between the two teams and sparked criticism from fans and cricketing circles. Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India is widely seen as a response to that perceived disrespect and a move to uphold sportsmanship on the international stage.

Supporters argue that Pakistan is standing up against disrespect and unfair treatment, while critics warn the boycott could escalate tensions between the two cricketing nations and affect the World Cup schedule.

This is one of the rare occasions in cricket history where a team has refused to play a particular opponent in a major ICC tournament, and the international cricket community is now watching closely to see whether the ICC will intervene or mediate between the two boards.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan’s decision has made headlines, showing that the tournament will not only be about performances on the field but also about sportsmanship, respect, and international cricket diplomacy.

🔥 Pakistan’s message is clear: respect and fairness come first, and unsportsmanlike behavior will not be ignored—even if it angers rivals and media alike.