The announcement made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of not playing matches against India before the T20 World Cup 2026, now seems to be overshadowing it. PCB hoped that by boycotting the match against India on 15 February, it would get international support and many cricket boards would stand in its favor. However, the reality has turned out to be quite the opposite.
According to sources, PCB had tried to talk to many other cricket boards to get support for its decision. However, no one has supported him yet. Most of the boards clearly say that Pakistan is creating trouble without any concrete reason. He believes that PCB has neither any legal basis nor any strong argument in this matter.
Other boards raised questions
International cricket boards have also raised many questions on Pakistan’s stance. He says that if there was so much problem in playing the match against India, then why was this issue not raised in the recently played Under-19 matches. There the teams of India and Pakistan came face to face and no boycott or protest was seen.
Not only this, the match between Pakistan women’s ‘A’ team and India ‘A’ team is to be played in Bangkok on 15th February. Apart from this, Pakistan has not taken any official step regarding withdrawing from the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026. In such a situation, many boards are not able to understand at all how to take a different stand only regarding the Men’s T20 World Cup match.
Objection to neutral venue also
This match between India and Pakistan is to be held in Colombo, which is a neutral venue. Usually, matches between the two countries are held on such grounds. Other boards say that when the match is not being held in India, the question of security or hosting does not arise. In such a situation, the decision to boycott does not seem logical.
No talks with ICC, problems increased
The most surprising thing is that PCB has not yet held formal talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this matter. There was definitely rhetoric on social media, but no letter or request was sent at the official level. ICC has already made it clear that playing selected matches in the tournament is against the rules and spirit of the game.
Pakistan will have to bear the brunt
The discussion has intensified in the cricket world that if PCB remains adamant on its decision, then it will have to bear the loss. Pakistan’s position is becoming weak due to lack of support on the international platform. Now it remains to be seen whether PCB backs down or due to this stubbornness it has to face further difficulties.
