KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s boycott of group-stage India game was a government directive.
- Political fallout includes Bangladesh’s expulsion for refusing to play in India.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha on Thursday said that his team would consult the government if they face India in the knockout stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Agha said that the boycott of the February 15 group match against India was a government decision, and the team will follow official guidance in any future encounter.
“The choice not to play was made by the government,” he explained.
“If we end up meeting them in the semi-finals or final, we will follow the guidance provided by our authorities.”
Political fallout shapes the tournament
The ongoing controversy follows Bangladesh’s removal from Group C after the team declined to travel to India over security concerns.
Scotland was named as their replacement, a decision that Pakistan publicly questioned while supporting Bangladesh’s request to move the matches to Sri Lanka.
“It’s unfortunate that Bangladesh are not participating. They are a strong side, and we were looking forward to competing with them,” Agha commented.
Challenging group stage ahead
The forfeited points against India have left Pakistan with little margin for error in Group A, which also includes Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
Agha acknowledged the tight scenario but stressed the team’s focus on cricket.
“We understand that mistakes will be costly, but conditions like weather are beyond our control. Our aim is to play our best cricket,” he said, citing the team’s confidence from a 3-0 series victory over Australia and familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions, which he described as a “second home.”
India confirms attendance despite boycott
Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav stated that his team would travel to Colombo to claim points from the group-stage forfeit.
“We are ready to play, but Pakistan chose not to. Our flights are booked, and we will be at the venue,” Yadav said.
While acknowledging India’s recent strong form, Yadav urged caution.
“There are many quality teams in this tournament. Being favourites on paper doesn’t guarantee anything; you need to perform on the day.”
The T20 World Cup continues to reflect a complex blend of sport and diplomacy, leaving the prospect of a high-stakes India-Pakistan knockout match hanging in the balance.
