IND vs PAK: Sunil Gavaskar makes a huge statement on Pakistan's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match
Former India all-rounder Madan Lal has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its reported decision to boycott the high-profile IND vs PAK clash scheduled for February 15 at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026. The 74-year-old did not mince words, calling the move counterproductive and misguided, especially given the global significance of the fixture. According to Madan Lal, India will remain largely unaffected by Pakistan’s absence from the marquee contest. He argued that Indian cricket’s popularity, commercial strength, and competitive depth ensure that such decisions have little impact on the team or its supporters. Instead, he believes the real fallout will be faced by Pakistan cricket itself, along with Bangladesh, both of whom risk isolating themselves on the global stage.
IND vs PAK: Former cricketers respond to Pakistan's boycott decision
Madan Lal stressed that matches between India and Pakistan are not just sporting events but global spectacles that draw massive audiences and generate immense revenue for international cricket. By choosing to step away, he feels Pakistan is denying its own players the chance to perform on the biggest stage and robbing fans of a contest they eagerly wait for. On February 1, the Pakistan government officially confirmed that it has granted permission for the national cricket team to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. However, the clearance comes with a significant caveat: the team will not take the field for its scheduled match against India.
The decision has added a new layer of complexity to the tournament, given the scale and global interest surrounding an India-Pakistan encounter. While Pakistan’s participation ensures its presence in the overall competition, opting out of the high-profile clash raises questions about competitive balance, scheduling, and the broader impact on the event. The India-Pakistan fixture is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated matches in world cricket, attracting massive audiences and commercial interest. By choosing not to play the match, the Pakistan government’s stance has shifted attention away from on-field action to off-field implications, potentially affecting fans, broadcasters, and tournament organizers. The move underscores how political considerations continue to influence cricketing ties between the two nations, even on the sport’s biggest global stage.
“I think the Pakistan government or PCB, they are all damaging their own cricket. It's not going to solve their problems. Someone has to be there to think right. They are not thinking right at the moment. They want to support Bangladesh. You keep on supporting Bangladesh. That's not our business. At the end of the day, Bangladesh is going to suffer, and Pakistan is going to suffer,” stated former Indian cricketer Madan Lal.
“The main thing is New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia, they are the biggest countries for cricket, they're going to get the crowds, they're going to get all the sponsorship," he added.
Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar has also weighed in with his candid assessment of Pakistan’s stance on participating in the tournament, offering a perspective rooted in experience and pragmatism. Gavaskar made it clear that, in his view, the situation is far from settled and that a reversal of Pakistan’s position should not come as a surprise. According to the batting legend, decisions of this nature often evolve as tournaments draw closer, especially when logistical, commercial, and sporting realities begin to take precedence.
Gavaskar suggested that while strong statements may be made initially, the practical implications of staying away from a global event like the World Cup can force stakeholders to reassess their position. He hinted that history itself points toward such outcomes, where rigid stands are softened over time. Gavaskar further noted that major ICC tournaments carry immense significance for players, fans, and boards alike. Missing out on marquee events not only affects visibility and revenue but also deprives players of the opportunity to perform on the world’s biggest stage. For these reasons, he believes Pakistan could eventually reconsider its decision and opt for full participation.
"I think in the next four or five days, when reactions start pouring in from across the world and even from their former players, there is a possibility that Pakistan will change their stance," stated former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar.
"What's new in this? We all know Pakistan cricketers retire and then, four days later, take back their retirement, saying 'our fans told us to play more'. This might happen again," he added.
