Pakistan captain Salman Agha has responded to the team’s decision to boycott their high-voltage group-stage match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, making it clear that the call was taken at the government level and is beyond the players’ control. While confirming Pakistan’s participation in the rest of the tournament, Agha underlined that the squad would strictly adhere to instructions issued by the authorities and the cricket board.
On Sunday, the Government of Pakistan officially confirmed that the national team would take part in the global event, but would skip the much-anticipated group clash against arch-rivals India. The announcement sparked widespread debate across the cricketing world, given the historic rivalry and the commercial significance of the fixture.
Salman Agha clarifies players’ stand after PCB boycotts clash against India at T20 World Cup 2026
Addressing the media after Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia, Agha said the team would comply with whatever decision is communicated by the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Agha was firm in his stance that the players had no role in the decision-making process. He stressed that personal opinions or preferences do not come into play when national directives are involved.
“Yes, absolutely, we will go. But that is not our decision, sir, and we cannot do anything about it. Whatever our government and our chairman instruct us to do, we have to follow,” Agha stated, reinforcing that the squad’s responsibility is limited to on-field performance.
Also READ: Pakistan to boycott India clash at T20 World Cup 2026: Government confirms decision
ICC context behind the controversy
The development follows a major decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which recently removed Bangladesh from the tournament after they refused to play matches in India, citing security concerns. With Bangladesh holding firm on their stance, the ICC named Scotland as their replacement, a move that has had ripple effects across the tournament’s structure.
Notably, Pakistan were originally scheduled to face India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches are set to be played in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the World Cup alongside India.
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