Pakistan will boycott the game against India which is set to be held on 15th February. This news came today via official Government of Pakistan’s twitter handle. The tweet read “Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India’’. They have however got the approval to participate in the World Cup by the government and will be playing every other match except India. This news went viral on social media and fans started reacting to it. While some of the fans were of the view that Pakistan was already set to lose the match and that is why it was better that they can boycott it and to inflict some damage to BCCI and also broadcasters Star Sports so it is a win-win situation for Pakistan. Others were praying that this move will finally bring the end to Asia Cup and India-Pakistan being the same group for the upcoming ICC events. Let us look at how twitter reacted on this.
There was no specific reason given or elaboration done as to why this move has come. This is a big blow for ICC and the broadcasters given India-Pakistan game brings the most viewership. The World Cup starts within a week and this news today has jolted the tournament. ICC is likely to discuss on this matter and we can expect sanctions or some other action in the coming days.
India are leading 7-1 against Pakistan in the so called rivalry when it comes to ICC events. Star Sports have been putting out the advertisement for this match since a few days and this move if it happens will bring huge loss to them. So many people on twitter felt that this is not about principles or stance but the fear of losing. There were also plenty of mems of Mohsin Naqvi doing the rounds.
As of now there is no word yet from the ICC regarding this decision. Pakistan were the only country who voted for Bangladesh citing that security in India is a concern and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had made statements about boycott of World Cup. Now this decision by Pakistan to play other matches but not India match poses plenty of challenges.
Ravi Ashwin took it to twitter pointing out that there is also a probability where India would meet Pakistan in the semis and what would happen then. There will be sanctions on Pakistan if they do manage to carry out this. There might be some negotiations between PCB and ICC in the coming days but we have to wait and see what happens. https://x.com/i/status/2017985632518451417
Pakistan are in Group A along with India, Namibia, Netherlands and USA. If Pakistan forfeit the match against India they are likely to lose the points.
