India head coach Gautam Gambhir sidestepped questions on Pakistan’s reported boycott stance against India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, choosing not to comment on the sensitive issue.

Gambhir was approached by reporters at the airport while leaving for Mumbai, where the Indian team is scheduled to play its first warm-up match against South Africa. While he briefly thanked media personnel for their good wishes ahead of the tournament, the Indian coach declined to respond when asked about Pakistan’s refusal to take the field against India.

The Pakistan government has granted its national team permission to travel for the tournament but has withheld approval for the side to play India, a move that has sparked widespread debate given the financial and sporting importance of an India–Pakistan fixture at a global event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to receive formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the proposed boycott, though the governing body has already warned of serious consequences should the match not go ahead as scheduled.

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India, meanwhile, remain focused on their preparations. The team will face South Africa in a warm-up match as they build towards the tournament opener on February 7.

India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group alongside Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, with their highly anticipated clash slated for February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan will also play Ireland in a warm-up fixture on February 4.