New Delhi: India legend Sunil Gavaskar brutally trolled Pakistan after they decided to boycott the high-profile clash against India in the upcoming T20
World Cup 2026. The Pakistan government on Sunday announced that it has cleared the Pakistan men’s cricket team to take part in the T20 World Cup, but they will not take the field against India in the clash between the arch rivals on February 15.
The decision sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, prompting the ICC to warn Pakistan of serious action if they refused to take part in the match. Reacting to Pakistan’s decision, Gavaskar didn’t hold back, suggesting a U-turn is on the cards. The batting legend said much like their cricketers, who frequently reverse retirement decisions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will soon be forced into making a U-turn.
Taking a brutal dig at Pakistan and some former players of the country, Gavaskar said they are known for reversing decisions frequently and that he expects something similar this time around. The Indian legend believes pressure from the voices within Pakistan cricket and globally might force PCB to reverse its decision to boycott the India clash.
“I think in the next four or five days, when reactions start pouring in from across the world and even from their former players, there is a possibility that Pakistan will change their stance,” Gavaskar said on Aaj Tak.
“What’s new in this? We all know Pakistan cricketers retire and then, four days later, take back their retirement, saying ‘our fans told us to play more’. This might happen again,” Gavaskar said.
“What’s the problem with making U-turns in your decisions? There’s no issue, as far as I know. Pakistan players have set examples. They keep coming back from retirement. So something like that might happen before the 15th,” he added.
There were doubts over Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 after multiple reports in the Pakistani media claimed that the country’s government was planning to boycott the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced after refusing to travel to India for their matches.
Some reports had also claimed Pakistan might play the tournament but boycott the India game. As it turned out, the Pakistan government gave PCB the clearance to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026, but directed the board to boycott the India game. India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in a group-stage match in Colombo on February 15.
While the Pakistani government refused to clarify the reason behind their decision, it is understood that the move comes in solidarity with Bangladesh. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday before the decision was announced.
Sunil Gavaskar demands ICC action against Pakistan
Gavaskar also demanded strict action from the ICC against Pakistan if the PCB fails to justify their call to boycott the India match. The former India captain pointed out how the ICC accepted a hybrid model to ensure Pakistan’s matches were shifted to Sri Lanka as per the agreement between the BCCI and PCB last year. The batting legend said ICC should take strict action if Pakistan don’t have a valid reason for the boycott.
“If Pakistan does not have a valid reason to justify withdrawing from the big match against India, or if they cannot show grounds for breaching the contract, then action will be taken by the ICC Board,” said Gavaskar.
