Gautam Gambhir left from Delhi on Tuesday night to join the team in Mumbai for the T20 World Cup 2026. When the head coach of Team India was going to join the team, he had to face questions related to the current stand of Pakistan.
Ahead of the tournament, the Pakistan government revealed in its official statement that they will not play against India for their group match on 15 February in Colombo. Following the government’s stance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet clarified its position to the International Cricket Council (ICC). At the moment, the situation of Pakistan cricket team before this specific tournament is not so clear that it can be described, as this matter is more political than cricket related.
Gautam Gambhir’s reaction on Pakistan ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
If we talk about Team India’s prospects in the tournament, then it will be a strong contender to win the title again. The upcoming competition, starting on February 7, will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Two-time T20 World Cup champion India will be trying to win the title for the third time. If they are able to claim silverware in this edition, the Men in Blue will be the first team to successfully defend their title. Till now in the history of T20 World Cup, no team has been able to save its title.
When Gautam Gambhir faced questions related to Pakistan, he decided not to comment on the topic, as it is a completely controversial issue. Gautam Gambhir hesitantly avoided the questions and thanked all the journalists for wishing the team good luck for the tournament.
ICC urges Pakistan to reconsider
On the other hand, ICC has urged Pakistan to reconsider the decision of boycott. A series of sanctions could be in store if the Pakistan cricket team skips the highly prized India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match.
“If Pakistan does not relent and play against India, not only will they face financial penalties, perhaps even a lawsuit from the broadcasters, but any attempts to go to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) may fail,” a PCB source told PTI.
Why might Pakistan face problems?
There was news that the top officials of the Pakistan government and their cricket board may show India’s stand in defense of their decision. The Indian government does not allow its national cricket team to play in Pakistan. But never stopped the team from playing against Pakistan. The situation is different for Pakistan. Their World Cup match against India is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, which is a neutral venue.
Another PCB source briefed on the media said, “Despite the government directive not to play India, the PCB may face problems as they are playing all their matches as per their wish in a neutral venue (Sri Lanka) and not in India.”
“Secondly, while the Indian government has not allowed its team to play in Pakistan, it has not stopped them from playing against Pakistan at neutral venues in the Asia Cup or ICC events following the May conflict.”
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