PCB’s India match U-turn sparks fresh boycott revolt inside Pakistan amid T20 World Cup

After the Pakistan government finally gave their team the green signal to feature against India in the T20 World Cup fixture in Sri Lanka, former captain Mohammad Hafeez has asked for a game that upholds the sportsmanship spirit of the game, rather than the nuisance that was witnessed on the field during their Asia Cup encounters.

Over the last 2 years, India and Pakistan have been meeting quite frequently across the two white-ball formats. Since 2023, India and Pakistan have constantly been meeting almost every 6 months. They played a game each on the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2025 Asia Cup and now have another one scheduled in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Keeping aside the game of cricket, this event has been the central point of rising tensions between the two nations as well as the two cricket boards. The boycott saga was escalated this time, as the Pakistani government had asked its team to not feature against India in the T20 World Cup.

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PCB and BCCI asked to keep politics away from cricket

After the Pakistan government and the PCB reversed their initial decision to not be a part of the India vs Pakistan game in the World Cup, former captain Mohammad Hafeez stepped in front and asked for keeping politics out of the equation.

Speaking on Tapmad, Hafeez claimed that he loves to witness the India vs Pakistan games and wants to see them more often, rather than only in ICC events. He claimed further that this is that one rivalry that almost inspires the entire generation of stars.

"Whenever there is talk about an India–Pakistan match, I have always been in favour of it because this is that match, that rivalry, which inspires the entire world. I truly hope the match happens — God willing."

"And it’s not just about this one game. I’m not into this match alone. What I want is for India–Pakistan matches to happen on a routine basis, with politics kept out of it forever," Mohammad Hafeez dropped one of his impossible wishes to the governments of either nation.

"Both countries should be allowed to fully play the role they can in growing and spreading the game, and cricket should never be stopped because of politics," he concluded.

Pakistani captain wants the India-Pakistan game to be conducted with the right spirit

With the boycott drama ending, the former Pakistan skipper is delighted that the India-Pakistan game has been given a green signal. However, he wants it to be conducted in the right spirit and claims that he would rather not witness it if it is played in the same manner as those Asia Cup encounters.

"Secondly, whatever scenario emerges regarding an India–Pakistan match, we must always keep the integrity and the spirit of the game at the highest level. Whenever this match is played — if it happens on the 15th — it should be played with complete sportsmanship."

The Asia Cup matches marked several boycotts and disciplinary violations from the players of the two teams. The players from both teams were issued several sanctions as well. It completely lacked the sportsmanship spirit in the game.

"We don’t want matches like the Asia Cup ones. If it’s going to be played like that, then frankly, I’d rather not watch it at all," said Hafeez.

ICC saved from financial carnage by PCB's reversal

On the other hand, other than the BCCI and the PCB, whose reputations got saved from being slandered due to the political and diplomatic tensions, the ICC also had a close save from losing a fortune worth millions.

The India vs Pakistan game is often known to be one of the greatest rivalries fought in the game of cricket, and it draws a lump sum of millions in viewerships, spornsorships and more. ICC could have suffered a $174 million loss had the Pakistan team boycotted the game.

Hence, it can easily be said that the snub of the boycott was a huge perk for the International body hosting the tournament.

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