As the T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway in Colombo, on-field action risks being overshadowed by off-field controversy involving Pakistan and their refusal to play India in the group-stage clash scheduled for February 15.

Just days before the tournament, the Pakistan government barred its team from taking the field against India, citing allegations that India has been “bullying” Pakistan and other cricketing nations with the backing of the International Cricket Council (ICC). While Indian players are expected to arrive for the toss, Pakistan are unlikely to take the field.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi publicly supported the government’s decision, claiming the BCCI has bullied Pakistan for years and describing the boycott as a chance to “settle the score”.

The remarks drew a sharp response from Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who strongly refuted the allegations and accused Pakistan of making excuses.

Speaking on India Today, Gavaskar said India has repeatedly made efforts to engage Pakistan, even during periods when bilateral relations were far better.

“Nobody from India has ever asked for this. Pakistan always wants India to invite them, but how many of our singers or film stars were invited to Pakistan, even when relations were better?” Gavaskar said.

Recalling earlier years when India and Pakistan regularly played bilateral series and when Pakistani players featured in the IPL, Gavaskar argued that India consistently took the first step in repairing ties.

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“It is always us making the first move, always reaching out. When people talk about bullying, we are not bullying anybody; we are just minding our own business,” he added.

Gavaskar also pointed out that Pakistani cricketers and commentators were welcomed in the IPL in its early years.

“We started in 2008. Pakistani players played in the IPL. Almost every franchise had a Pakistani player. We even had Pakistani commentators.”

Dismissing the bullying narrative outright, Gavaskar said all tournament arrangements are known well in advance and questioned why Pakistan raises objections only at the last moment.

“Everything is decided before the first ball is bowled. Before the Champions Trophy, India clearly said they wouldn’t travel to Pakistan, so the matches were played in Dubai. That was known long before the tournament started.”

Countering Sethi’s claims directly, Gavaskar said Pakistan should confront India if it genuinely believes it is being bullied.

“I don’t see where bullying comes in. It’s an easy word to use to make excuses. If you think you’re being bullied, then stand up to the bully. That’s always the best answer,” he said.