Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that the Pakistan team might eventually reverse their decision to play their T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against the arch-rivals India, despite their original call on Sunday, where their board stated otherwise. Gavaskar, who has been a keen observer of cricketing actions in Pakistan, is of the opinion that changing stances is nothing uncommon in the circles of the neighbouring nation's philosophies.
The 76-year-old cited an example of how multiple Pakistani
cricketers have announced their retirement from internationals and reversed it shortly later. The cricketer-turned-commentator has predicted that a similar pattern may be followed by their national board to reverse their call of boycotting the fixture against India, since they might have to face severe repercussions.
"In the next two to four days, when the reactions from around the world will come, when the reactions from their own cricketers [and ex-cricketers] will come, then Pakistan may reverse their decision [to boycott T20 World Cup match versus India]," Gavaskar told Aajtak during an interaction.
We have seen previously that Pakistani cricketers retire, and then in a few days, they take it back. They say, 'Oh, our so many fans asked that you must continue to play,' so it might happen for the India game, too. Their countrymen may question the call to boycott the India match, and then they might reverse the original decision. Their cricketers have set an example, and the same might happen here too," he added.
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council is looking to ban Pakistan from playing any form of international cricket following the move. According to multiple reports doing the rounds in the media, other member boards have also expressed displeasure following the Pakistan Cricket Board's unusual stance. The ruckus created by PCB, completely uncalled for, may lead to the side getting suspended from playing any further international cricket.
