India vs Pakistan: There is a cloud of crisis looming over the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 India vs Pakistan group stage match, which is scheduled to be held on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan announced through a social media post on Sunday that they would be joining the competition, but declined to play the match against their arch-rivals. This decision was taken after Bangladesh was out of the T20 World Cup.
Bangla Tigers were dropped after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a proposal to shift their matches from India due to ‘security concerns’. India vs Pakistan match is always a topic of discussion in the cricket world, now it is making headlines for all the wrong reasons outside cricket. Former cricketers and pundits have expressed their views on this matter. Cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Shahid Afridi and Danish Kaneria spoke on this matter.
Kapil Dev has his own views on the India vs Pakistan controversy
Former India captain and World Cup winner Kapil Dev is the latest name on the list as he did an exclusive interview with NDTV and during the conversation he was asked to share his insights. If this decision of boycott comes from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it will damage the reputation of Pakistan and also harm the future of current and upcoming cricketers in the country.
Kapil Dev while talking to NDTV said, “If the decision has been taken by the players then they can come forward and say it. However, if the board says that you will not play then the prestige of the country is reduced.”
“It’s not looking good for Pakistan. You are killing a generation. Pakistan has given us great talent over the years. But if you don’t allow these boys to play in the World Cup, you are killing a generation and hurting the game. You are being unfair to your own players.”
PCB’s stance is yet to change
Following the Pakistan government’s social media post, the ICC shared its views on Pakistan’s selective style of playing the competition, as they believe it would not be possible.
He also suggested him to change his stance on the India vs Pakistan match as it could have a long term impact on his cricket in the country.
Injustice for India-Pakistan fans
Kapil Dev feels that this would be injustice to the fans, as both types of fans eagerly wait for this match. However, this will have a greater impact on Pakistan cricket as they may lose fans and supporters if they do not change their stance on the ‘boycott’.
The former India captain concluded, “The emotions and the audience will be affected. But, in the long run, no one will remember him. People won’t think about it for a long time, and eventually they will move on.”
India vs Pakistan matches generate almost double the revenue of Rs 200-250 crore from broadcast than any other match in ICC events. Pakistan has not been able to achieve a single win in the last 5 matches against its arch-rivals in all major competitions. According to the situation, ICC is reported to have called an emergency meeting to discuss the India vs Pakistan match.
Also read: Shahid Afridi heartbroken as Pakistan boycotts India’s match in T20 World Cup 2026
