BCCI Leaves India-Pakistan Match Decision To ICC After Pakistan Boycott
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has said it will fully abide by the decision of the International Cricket Council regarding the uncertainty surrounding the India versus Pakistan group-stage match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated on Sunday that the Indian board has left the matter entirely to the International Cricket Council. He said the BCCI would follow whatever decision is taken by the tournament organisers.
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Shukla made the remarks while speaking on the sidelines of a dinner hosted for the Indian team by head coach Gautam Gambhir at his residence in New Delhi. He underlined that the issue is sensitive and should be handled by the ICC.
The comments came after Pakistan announced it would not play its scheduled group-stage match against India on February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan’s decision was reportedly taken in support of Bangladesh, which had earlier shown reluctance to travel to India for the tournament.
The development has drawn strong reactions from the cricketing community. Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise over Pakistan’s move, calling it unusual in a World Cup scenario where every match and point holds significance.
Despite the off-field uncertainty, the Indian team remains focused on its campaign. Ahead of their next group-stage fixture, Gambhir hosted a team dinner in the national capital on Sunday evening, which was also attended by Rajeev Shukla.
India are set to face Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The match comes after India’s solid start to their title defence.
India opened their campaign with a 29-run win over the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Batting first, India posted 161 for 9 in 20 overs.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, while Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma added crucial runs in the middle order.
In reply, the USA were restricted to 132 for 8, with Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh delivering disciplined bowling performances.
India’s T20 World Cup squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh.
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