Sourav Ganguly reacts to Pakistan's boycott stance against India in T20 World Cup
ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Pakistan's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India, even as the tournament begins.
Former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday expressed surprise over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its marquee T20 World Cup group match against India, saying, “I don’t know why Pakistan won’t play against India in the World Cup match. This is the first time I’ve heard that Pakistan won’t play against India in the World Cup,” even as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway amid heightened security arrangements.
The tournament opens on Wednesday in Colombo, while Eden Gardens is set to host the first match in India, with Scotland taking on the West Indies. Security has been significantly enhanced at the iconic Kolkata venue, with the city’s police commissioner personally visiting the stadium to review arrangements. Officials from the Cricket Association of Bengal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the International Cricket Council are working in close coordination to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the tournament.
Backing the hosts, Ganguly said India were among the favourites to lift the trophy, adding, “It’s a World Cup at home. India’s chances are bright on home soil.” He also expressed disappointment over Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, saying the team should have played in the World Cup.
Pakistan announces boycott of India clash
Pakistan on Sunday formally announced that while its national team has been cleared to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it will not take the field for the marquee group league clash against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The decision followed days of speculation over Pakistan’s participation after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns. The Pakistan government said the boycott was a mark of protest after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland and declined requests to move matches out of India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier said the final call on participation would be taken by the government in the wake of Bangladesh’s ouster.
ICC warns against selective participation
The ICC reacted strongly to Pakistan’s position, warning that selective participation was incompatible with the basic principles of a global sporting event. In a strongly worded statement, the world body said all qualified teams were expected to compete under a common schedule.
The ICC stressed that its tournaments are founded on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and warned that any deviation from full participation would undermine the spirit and sanctity of its competitions.
Financial stakes and wider impact
An India–Pakistan match at an ICC event is widely regarded as the biggest revenue generator in world cricket, with estimates suggesting it can fetch close to USD 250 million. The absence of the high-voltage fixture is expected to result in heavy financial losses for broadcasters, sponsors and host boards.
Given the pull of the rivalry, the ICC traditionally places India and Pakistan in the same group at global events, making the boycott a significant blow to the tournament’s commercial prospects.
Sri Lanka urges Pakistan to reconsider
Co-host Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision. In a letter to the PCB, SLC warned of the adverse impact on tourism, including cancellations of hotel bookings, flight reservations and logistical arrangements.
SLC’s executive committee discussed the issue at length before dispatching the letter, cautioning that the fallout could affect multiple stakeholders linked to the World Cup.
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Former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday expressed surprise over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its marquee T20 World Cup group match against India, saying, “I don’t know why Pakistan won’t play against India in the World Cup match. This is the first time I’ve heard that Pakistan won’t play against India in the World Cup,” even as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway amid heightened security arrangements.
The tournament opens on Wednesday in Colombo, while Eden Gardens is set to host the first match in India, with Scotland taking on the West Indies. Security has been significantly enhanced at the iconic Kolkata venue, with the city’s police commissioner personally visiting the stadium to review arrangements. Officials from the Cricket Association of Bengal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the International Cricket Council are working in close coordination to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the tournament.
Backing the hosts, Ganguly said India were among the favourites to lift the trophy, adding, “It’s a World Cup at home. India’s chances are bright on home soil.” He also expressed disappointment over Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, saying the team should have played in the World Cup.
Pakistan announces boycott of India clash
Pakistan on Sunday formally announced that while its national team has been cleared to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it will not take the field for the marquee group league clash against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The decision followed days of speculation over Pakistan’s participation after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns. The Pakistan government said the boycott was a mark of protest after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland and declined requests to move matches out of India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier said the final call on participation would be taken by the government in the wake of Bangladesh’s ouster.
ICC warns against selective participation
The ICC reacted strongly to Pakistan’s position, warning that selective participation was incompatible with the basic principles of a global sporting event. In a strongly worded statement, the world body said all qualified teams were expected to compete under a common schedule.
The ICC stressed that its tournaments are founded on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and warned that any deviation from full participation would undermine the spirit and sanctity of its competitions.
Financial stakes and wider impact
An India–Pakistan match at an ICC event is widely regarded as the biggest revenue generator in world cricket, with estimates suggesting it can fetch close to USD 250 million. The absence of the high-voltage fixture is expected to result in heavy financial losses for broadcasters, sponsors and host boards.
Given the pull of the rivalry, the ICC traditionally places India and Pakistan in the same group at global events, making the boycott a significant blow to the tournament’s commercial prospects.
Sri Lanka urges Pakistan to reconsider
Co-host Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision. In a letter to the PCB, SLC warned of the adverse impact on tourism, including cancellations of hotel bookings, flight reservations and logistical arrangements.
SLC’s executive committee discussed the issue at length before dispatching the letter, cautioning that the fallout could affect multiple stakeholders linked to the World Cup.
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