Former spinner Danish Kaneria expressed that Pakistan’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India will harm their own cricket more than any other.
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled for February 15. (Photo Credits: X)
Former spinner Danish Kaneria has made a bold statement regarding Pakistan's decision to boycott the T20 World Cp 2026 match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo and said that ‘Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play’.
“Pakistan had earlier requested that they would not come to India to play, and that request was accepted, so their matches were arranged at a neutral venue. In this World Cup, the India–Pakistan match was scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. There is no logic in boycotting this match. Pakistan seems to think that it is supporting Bangladesh, which has already been knocked out of the tournament. But they should focus on their own cricket and where they are taking it. This sends a message that people will feel Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play," Kaneria was quoted as saying to IANS.
“With this decision, Pakistan has made its path to the semifinals or knockouts much more difficult. I think it’s a very, very wrong decision. If Pakistan believes that the India–Pakistan game is a revenue-generating cream, then that rivalry doesn’t really exist anymore, because Pakistan cricket is not playing brand cricket which India is playing. India has beaten Pakistan at every stage of the World Cup, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup," he added.
The right-arm bowler also added that the decision was taken without taking into account the consequences.
“Decisions like this increase the consequences. They did not think long-term, especially about Bangladesh. Taking such decisions emotionally, without proper thought, is not right in my opinion. Decisions should be taken carefully and wisely. You didn’t play the first match, but if tomorrow you meet India in the semifinal or final, will you just hand over the trophy by saying you won’t play the final?
Pakistan have been placed in Group A that also comprises Namibia, Netherlands and USA along side India. The side will begin the campaign against Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay ( wk ), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub , Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan ( wk ) and Usman Tariq
