T20 World Cup 2026: Sourav Ganguly Reacts to Pakistan Match Boycott Decision

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been hit by a major controversy following Pakistan's decision to boycott the high-profile match against India. Scheduled for 15 February in Colombo, the Group A clash is now under a cloud of uncertainty after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reportedly acting on government directives, expressed its intent to withdraw from the fixture. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has now voiced his concerns regarding this development, questioning the logic behind such a move in a major international tournament.

Ganguly Questions Pakistan's Decision

" The former BCCI President noted that since Pakistan is already playing its matches in Sri Lanka, there seems to be no logistical reason to avoid the clash against India. Ganguly emphasized that in a World Cup format, every single point is crucial for qualification. He stated that a team coming to win the trophy can't afford to lose points in such a manner, as it could jeopardize their standing in the tournament.

ICC and PCB Negotiations Underway

The tension between the ICC and the PCB escalated following the exclusion of Bangladesh from the tournament, which triggered a strong reaction from the Pakistani authorities. Currently, high-level meetings are being held between the ICC and PCB officials to break the deadlock. Reports suggest that the ICC is taking a firm stance, and Sri Lanka Cricket has also exerted pressure on the PCB to honor the tournament schedule. Analysts believe that the PCB might eventually take a U-turn on its decision to avoid heavy penalties and the loss of points.

Current Standings in Group A

Both India and Pakistan have started their T20 World Cup campaigns on a winning note, securing victories in their respective opening matches. As of now, the Indian team occupies the top spot in Group A due to a superior net run rate, while the 15 February encounter is viewed as a critical match that could determine the leadership of the group. If the boycott proceeds, India would likely be awarded the points, Importantly impacting the points table and Pakistan's chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Strategic Implications and Conclusion

According to sports analysts, the potential boycott carries significant strategic and financial implications for the tournament. While the PCB's stance appears to be driven by external factors, the sporting consequences of forfeiting a World Cup match are severe. Experts suggest that the ICC's intervention is aimed at ensuring the tournament's integrity and commercial viability. As the cricketing world awaits a final resolution, the focus remains on whether diplomatic interventions will allow the historic rivalry to resume on the field in Colombo.

VIDEO | On Pakistan boycotting its match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Former India Captain, Sourav Ganguly, on the sidelines of BCPL season 4 auction and launch event, says, "I’m really surprised with Pakistan backing out of the World Cup. You come to a… pic.twitter.com/IL66xP6mmm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 8, 2026