Uncertainty over India vs Pakistan match not good for players: Ishant Sharma
Former India bowler Ishant Sharma has expressed concern for players amid the uncertainty of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match. The ongoing boycott threat by Pakistan could impact players' preparations and tournament dynamics.
Former India fast bowler Ishant Sharma feels that the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 is not good for the players. The Pakistan government has denied permission to its players to participate in the fixture against India, which is scheduled to be played on 15 February in Colombo.
However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to receive official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the boycott. Amid the controversy, Ishant Sharma has spoken about the mental challenges players face while preparing for such an important match in highly uncertain circumstances.
“Yeah, this isn’t good for the players. The players should be informed whether this match is happening or not. Whatever the situation is, they should be told, because players prepare for a match accordingly. And an India–Pakistan game is such that every fan’s eyes are on it. So the players should actually be informed clearly, so that it’s clear to them whether they are going to play this match or not,” Ishant said on India Today’s Salaam Cricket.
Former India seamer Mohit Sharma also sympathised with the players, stating that the situation has gone far beyond their control and criticising the mixing of sports with off-field issues.
ICC warns Pakistan of serious sanctions
“But sports is a game, and now these things have actually gone far beyond our control. They’re already out of our hands. So whatever we say about it could end up creating a controversy, but I don’t think there should be so many issues around sports. Let it be. Some things, again, are not in our control, and you can’t control them — even, you know, sometimes it feels like even by talking about it, you can’t really do anything,” said Mohit Sharma.
Meanwhile, amid Pakistan’s boycott stance, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has said that the team is ready to play against Pakistan and will travel to Sri Lanka as per the schedule to take part in the tournament. With just three days remaining before the start of the competition, the future of the high-profile fixture remains in jeopardy. However, the ICC has warned Pakistan of serious consequences should they continue with their boycott stance.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
Former India fast bowler Ishant Sharma feels that the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 is not good for the players. The Pakistan government has denied permission to its players to participate in the fixture against India, which is scheduled to be played on 15 February in Colombo.
However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to receive official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the boycott. Amid the controversy, Ishant Sharma has spoken about the mental challenges players face while preparing for such an important match in highly uncertain circumstances.
“Yeah, this isn’t good for the players. The players should be informed whether this match is happening or not. Whatever the situation is, they should be told, because players prepare for a match accordingly. And an India–Pakistan game is such that every fan’s eyes are on it. So the players should actually be informed clearly, so that it’s clear to them whether they are going to play this match or not,” Ishant said on India Today’s Salaam Cricket.
Former India seamer Mohit Sharma also sympathised with the players, stating that the situation has gone far beyond their control and criticising the mixing of sports with off-field issues.
ICC warns Pakistan of serious sanctions
“But sports is a game, and now these things have actually gone far beyond our control. They’re already out of our hands. So whatever we say about it could end up creating a controversy, but I don’t think there should be so many issues around sports. Let it be. Some things, again, are not in our control, and you can’t control them — even, you know, sometimes it feels like even by talking about it, you can’t really do anything,” said Mohit Sharma.
Meanwhile, amid Pakistan’s boycott stance, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has said that the team is ready to play against Pakistan and will travel to Sri Lanka as per the schedule to take part in the tournament. With just three days remaining before the start of the competition, the future of the high-profile fixture remains in jeopardy. However, the ICC has warned Pakistan of serious consequences should they continue with their boycott stance.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score