T20 World Cup 2026: Harbhajan Singh warns Pakistan over boycott India match decision

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has harshly attacked Pakistan over allegations of a likely boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, calling this move an unnecessary drama. Harbhajan even challenged the Pakistani government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), daring them to stand by their decision if they truly had the courage.

The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 07, and the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan will be scheduled at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on February 15. Both teams are kept in group A, along with the United States of America (USA), the Netherlands, and Namibia. 

However, on February 1, the Pakistan Govt announced their decision that the Pakistan cricket team will participate in the upcoming event, but they will not enter the field against India. Harbhajan Singh said that there is no logic behind this boycott. No team can choose not to play matches of their own accord. He also said that millions of people, not just in the two countries involved, are waiting for this match, and the authorities need to reconsider their decision regarding this match.

"What are you going to get from this drama? This is simply a display of ego. If you genuinely think that you can do something like this, then don’t back down; we will see if you really have the courage. This is totally a drama created to mislead their own people that they are still standing with Bangladesh. That’s OK, but what do you think of the people in your nation who want the India-Pakistan match? Harbhajan said. 

Harbhajan further stated that when there were actual tensions between Pakistan and India, they didn't boycott the matches. And now, they are making such a decision because of another country. There is absolutely no logic to this. Pakistan was ready to play against India without any hesitation, but now, in an attempt to support Bangladesh, they are making this decision and misleading their own people.

Harbhajan went on to issue a strong warning to Pakistan cricket, cautioning them that if they boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, Pakistan cricket will have to face the consequences. He predicted that such a move could severely damage Pakistan cricket.

“This match is to be played at a neutral venue, which Pakistan itself requested. And the ICC accepted that request. Despite the war between India and Pakistan, both teams played matches in the Asia Cup 2025. You played those matches because you didn't want to miss out on the revenue generated from the tournament. If you are truly patriotic, where was your patriotism at that time? At that time, you didn't consider the feelings of your country, and now you are pretending to care, and that too for another country.” Harbhajan said.

"Just wait for the ICC to do justice. You might be facing penalties and fines, and you might not be able to host an ICC tournament in the future," he said.