Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spoken publicly about the country’s decision to boycott the men’s T20 World Cup match against India. He said the move shows support for Bangladesh after their removal from the tournament. This is the first time a senior official from the Pakistan government or the Pakistan Cricket Board has explained the reason behind the boycott.
Speaking to members of his cabinet on Wednesday, Sharif said, “We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision.” He added, “We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won’t play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Pakistan government said the team would take part in the T20 World Cup but would not play the February 15 group match against India. The statement did not explain why. The post came after days of uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation.
The International Cricket Council responded hours later. It said it hoped “that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.” The ICC also said it “expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”
It is still unclear whether the PCB has formally informed the ICC or held talks with the body.
Sharif’s comments link the boycott to criticism raised by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. He earlier described the decision to exclude Bangladesh as an example of double standards. Bangladesh were removed after their government refused to allow the team to travel to India for security reasons. They asked to play in Sri Lanka instead, which is a co-host venue where Pakistan will play all their matches.
The ICC Board later voted 14 to 2 to replace Bangladesh with Scotland rather than move the matches. Pakistan and the Bangladesh Cricket Board voted against the move.
After the vote, Naqvi said, “You can’t have double standards.” He pointed to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He added, “You can’t say for one country they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That’s why we’ve taken this stand, and made clear Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them. They should play in the World Cup, they are a major stakeholder in cricket.”
