Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action against Pakistan if they boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India while continuing to participate in the rest of the tournament.
The high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash was scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15, but Pakistan’s government announced on Sunday, February 1, that the Men in Green would not play the match.
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said the timing of Pakistan’s withdrawal is a serious concern. “Definitely, I think if you withdraw at the last moment, that is an issue,” the ex-India opener said. “If you withdraw earlier on, that’s another matter altogether. But if you withdraw at the last moment, on the eve of the tournament, then yes, I think certainly the ICC should step in and take some action. I don’t know what action they will take, but I think there are so many other boards involved, so it’s not just going to be one person’s decision. However, it should be something that ensures no other team in the future also considers doing that.”
Gavaskar further said that Pakistan could face serious consequences for its action. “The ICC will probably take legal action against Pakistan over the refusal to play against India, but what the result of such action would be, I can’t say. It is certain that the ICC would be extremely displeased with this decision by the Pakistan government,” he added.
The ICC has already issued a statement in response to the Pakistan government’s decision, while awaiting official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Pakistan is placed in Group A along with co-hosts India, Namibia, the USA and the Netherlands.
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