Advertisement
Advertisement
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday weighed in on the federal government’s decision to boycott the national team’s group-stage clash against arch-rivals India in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
On Sunday, the government confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the 20-team tournament but will not take the field against India on 15 February.
The decision came shortly after a key meeting between Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following which the final stance regarding Pakistan’s participation and match commitments was clarified.
Reacting to the development, Shahid Afridi took to the social media platform X and reiterated his long-standing view that cricket has historically served as a bridge between nations even when political ties remain strained.
“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the T20 World Cup, but I stand behind my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote.
The former all-rounder also urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take responsibility and demonstrate fairness through action, not just statements.
“This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove, through decisions rather than statements, that it is committed to fairness,” he added.
READ: Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka to partake in T20 World Cup 2026
