Home / Sports / Pakistan Pulls Out of India T20 World Cup Clash
Pakistan Pulls Out of India T20 World Cup Clash
2 Feb
Summary
- Pakistan's government cleared World Cup participation but not playing India.
- Captain Agha stated player autonomy was limited in the decision.
- The forfeiture raises questions for the ICC and broadcasters.
Pakistan's participation in the Men's T20 World Cup has been confirmed, but the team will forfeit their scheduled fixture against India. This decision stems from directives issued by the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Captain Salman Ali Agha clarified that the players have no say in this matter, stating, "Whatever our government, the PCB chief tells us to do, we will do that only." The official verdict was communicated recently, following a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The announcement came on the same day Pakistan secured a T20I series win over Australia. The team unveiled its official jersey shortly after. Pakistan is grouped with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA, and will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, commencing their campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands. The forfeiture of the high-profile India match has created uncertainty for the International Cricket Council and broadcasters, given the immense commercial appeal of such encounters.
