India Match Boycott a Major Setback for Broadcasters, Says Kamran

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has supported the government’s decision to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup while refusing to play against India, describing the move as justified and overdue. Akmal told ARY News that Pakistan fully backs the government’s stance, noting that Pakistan has consistently extended goodwill, whereas the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not reciprocated.

He cited incidents during the Asia Cup, including India’s refusal to shake hands and its behavior at the toss, as examples of the BCCI’s approach. Akmal warned that if India does not change its attitude, other cricket boards could adopt a similar stance. He added that news of Pakistan potentially boycotting the India match would have put pressure on both the ICC and the BCCI, with broadcasters particularly concerned due to the commercial importance of the fixture.

Akmal emphasized that India’s actions during the Asia Cup harmed the spirit of cricket, arguing that the sport cannot operate according to the preferences of a single country. He said Pakistan’s refusal to play India may not please the ICC or broadcasters, but it could force meaningful dialogue and lead to corrective measures at the international level.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore to discuss Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup. Following the consultations, the government approved the national team’s participation but decided that Pakistan would not play its scheduled match against India on February 15, 2026, in line with government directives. The decision balanced Pakistan’s commitment to international cricket with security, scheduling, and diplomatic considerations. A government spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan will compete in the World Cup while refraining from the India fixture.