Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane showed an indifferent attitude towards Pakistan’s threat to boycott the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi put the national team’s participation in doubt as the ICC ruled Bangladesh out of the marquee tournament. In support of Bangladesh, PCB and Pakistan Cricket Board can take a big decision on this matter.
Speculation continues as Pakistan prepares to take a decision
Naqvi had earlier mentioned that he was keeping all doors open to take a final decision. There are many claims about Pakistan’s next possible move ahead of the tournament. Some reports have suggested that Pakistan may boycott the entire tournament, while some other reports have claimed that they may only skip their tie against India, which is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
Questioning Pakistan’s courage, Rahane believes that Pakistan is in no position to boycott a high-profile tournament like T20 World Cup 2026. Rahane said that Pakistan does not have the courage to do this.
Ajinkya Rahane said that Pakistan has no strength
“I don’t think they will do it. They don’t have the courage,” Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
In the ongoing standoff between the ICC and Bangladesh, Pakistan can easily escape the situation and participate in the tournament without any unnecessary speculation. But he got himself dragged into the matter, which has created another layer of controversy ahead of the tournament.
What Ajinkya Rahane said has valid points. If the Pakistan Cricket Board, backed by the Pakistan government, decides to abandon the tournament or boycott the much-awaited clash with India, they could find themselves in serious trouble.
Those possible acts against the International Cricket Council could prove to be a long-running campaign without any precautionary measures. The influence of government or politics can be controlled by strict control, as the Council has the power to do so. If Pakistan decides to follow the footsteps of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), then a ban on it is also not impossible.
Ajinkya Rahane’s decision may prove to be correct
Bangladesh cricket team has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 as their officials remained firm on their demand to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka due to ‘safety and security concerns’.
Even after receiving an ultimatum from the sport’s highest authority, Bangladeshi officials refused to back down from their stance. As a result, they are no longer part of specific tournaments.
Despite showing open support towards Bangladesh, Pakistan may play in the 2026 World Cup as some reports say that the team’s tickets to Colombo have been booked. On February 2, a few days before the opening day of the competition, the PCB is expected to announce its final decision.
read more: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match cancelled? PCB made a masterstroke to avoid ICC sanctions!