LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has praised the government’s decision to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup while abstaining from the match against India, calling the move justified and long overdue.
Akmal said Pakistan fully supports the government’s stance, noting that the country has consistently extended goodwill, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has never reciprocated.
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He pointed to incidents during the Asia Cup, including the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands and its behavior at the toss, as examples of India’s approach. Akmal warned that if the BCCI does not correct its conduct, other cricket boards could follow suit.
It’s their call that they don’t want to play with India,” says former Indian skipper @therealkapildev on Pakistan boycotting the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India@ShivaniGupta_5 shares more details@JamwalNews18 | #India #Pakistan #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/58gUhav8KK
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 1, 2026
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 1, 2026
The former wicketkeeper highlighted the commercial and diplomatic implications of Pakistan potentially boycotting a fixture against India, noting that broadcasters and the ICC would come under pressure due to the match’s high-profile nature.
“India’s actions during the Asia Cup damaged the spirit of cricket,” Akmal said. “The sport cannot be run according to one country’s preferences. This decision will likely compel the ICC to engage with the Pakistan Cricket Board and take corrective measures at the international level.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore to discuss the national team’s participation in the upcoming tournament. Following consultations on security, scheduling, and diplomatic concerns, the government approved Pakistan’s participation while deciding the team will not play its scheduled match against India on February 15, 2026.
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A government spokesperson confirmed the decision via an official tweet, emphasizing that Pakistan will compete in the World Cup but will refrain from the India fixture.
The decision reflects a balance between Pakistan’s commitment to international cricket and national policy, aiming to protect players while sending a message about conduct and reciprocity in the sport.