Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan match to be held on February 15 in Colombo dropped like a bomb on Sunday. They are fit to play the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but will not face arch-rivals India for their group matches. Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma predicted that the Pakistan government’s decision could put the Salman Ali Aga-led team in serious trouble in the near future.
Sharma said that Pakistan cricket fans want to see India vs Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2026 and ICC can also take serious steps to respond to Pakistan’s decision. Therefore, the coach has advised Pakistan to reconsider its next step.
PCB is boycotting India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match
After discussions with the government and Pakistan cricket officials, Pakistan only suggested boycotting its group stage match against Pakistan, scheduled to be held on February 15 in Colombo, a neutral venue between India and Pakistan.
The Pakistan government is adopting the stance of boycotting their match against India only to show support towards its fellow Asian neighbor Bangladesh. The dismissal of the Bangladesh cricket team comes amid a challenging geopolitical decision.
When did Pakistan decide to take action?
Bangladesh cricket officials, supported by the Bangladesh government, refused to travel to India to play their T20 World Cup 2026 matches. They wanted to play their matches in Sri Lanka, but not in India. Rejecting the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s application, the ICC named Scotland as their replacement for the tournament.
After which, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief held a meeting with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to evaluate the situation. On Sunday, it was announced that Pakistan will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 but will not play against India.
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach has advised Pakistan to reconsider its decision.
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma said on Pakistan boycotting the match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, “It is very unfortunate and a very strange decision of Pakistan. First they voted in favor of Bangladesh that it should not come and play in India. Now they are also talking about withdrawing. It is very unfortunate and Pakistan will have to suffer the consequences of this.”
#Watch | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: On boycotting Pakistan’s match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma says, “It is very unfortunate and a very strange decision by Pakistan. First of all, they voted in favor of Bangladesh… pic.twitter.com/qdkTool5XX
– ANI (@ANI) 2 February 2026
He said, “The Pakistani public wanted to see their players play against India, so it will be a loss for them and their players. I think the PCB will reconsider it… India is far ahead of Pakistan in cricket, but it is a political decision. They should think that if the ICC takes action against them, it will be a loss for the PCB. I am sure they will reconsider their decision.”
read more: India vs Pakistan cancelled: Complete list of ICC tournament matches that were boycotted by teams
