Salman Ali Agha reveals Pakistan’s knockout plan vs India in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has opened up about the Government of Pakistan's decision to boycott the match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking at the captains’ meeting in Colombo, he said that the call rests entirely with the government and the players will follow whatever decision is made.

India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play all of their matches, including knockout matches, in Sri Lanka. On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced that the team will not play the match against India on February 15.

The India Game Is Not In Out Control - Salman Ali Agha

Speaking in Colombo on Thursday, Salman Ali Agha said the players have no role in deciding whether they face India. He stated that the squad is focused on their remaining three matches and is excited about the tournament ahead.

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“The India game is not in our control. It’s the government’s decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we will do that,” Agha told reporters in Colombo on Thursday, as quoted by TOI. “And then, we have three other games, and we are very excited about that.”

India's Game Is Not In Out Control - Salman Ali Agha

Salman Ali Agha avoided giving a direct answer when asked about a possible India clash in the semi-finals or final. He said that such decisions are not made by the team and would again depend on guidance from the government. Agha stated the players would follow whatever advice they are given.

“India’s game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision, and again, if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we have to go back to them and act on their advice,” Agha said.

“There are three other games they can come and watch,” he said with a laugh.

Pakistan Set to Commence T20 World Cup 2026 Against the Netherlands

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the government’s call to boycott the February 15 match against India, describing the decision as appropriate. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, will take on Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA) in the group stage.

Pakistan will start their campaign against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday, February 7. The Men in Green exited early in the 2024 T20 World Cup after losses to India and the USA. They will be hoping to perform better and reach the knockouts this year.

The team will enter the tournament in strong form after crushing Australia by 111 runs on Sunday to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep. They will look to make the most of that confidence at the World Cup.

Also read: “It’s a pity Bangladesh are not playing”: Salman Ali Agha reignites controversy at T20 WC 2026