NEW DELHI: After Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, reactions have continued to pour in from across the cricketing fraternity.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has come down heavily on the move, questioning both its intent and its impact on the team’s image at the global stage.
According to him, refusing to face India sends out a damaging message to fans and the wider cricketing world.
“Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play. There is no logic in boycotting this match,” he told IANS.
Kaneria also rubbished the argument that the boycott was meant as a show of support for Bangladesh, stressing that Pakistan should be more concerned about its own path forward in international cricket.
“Pakistan seems to think that it is supporting Bangladesh, which has already been knocked out of the tournament. But they should focus on their own cricket and where they are taking it.”
He warned that the decision could easily be interpreted as fear rather than solidarity, especially in a tournament designed to pit the best teams against each other.
“This sends a message that people will feel Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play.”
