Sunil Gavaskar said Pakistan could reconsider its decision to boycott the India match after global and internal backlash.
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the Pakistan team could eventually reverse its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against arch-rivals India, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board’s announcement to the contrary earlier this week. Gavaskar feels that a change in stance would not be unusual, given past patterns within Pakistan cricket administration.
The 76-year-old, a long-time observer of cricketing developments in Pakistan, pointed out that shifting positions have been common in the country’s cricketing history. He cited several instances where Pakistani players announced retirement from international cricket, only to withdraw those decisions soon after.
Gavaskar suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board might follow a similar path, especially if the decision to boycott the high-profile India fixture invites strong backlash and serious consequences from the global cricketing community.
“In the next two to four days, when the reactions from around the world will come, when the reactions from their own cricketers [and ex-cricketers] will come, then Pakistan may reverse their decision [to boycott T20 World Cup match versus India],” Gavaskar told Aajtak during an interaction.
Gavaskar Explains Reversal
He further elaborated on why a reversal would not be surprising. “We have seen previously that Pakistani cricketers retire, and then in a few days, they take it back. They say, ‘Oh, our so many fans asked that you must continue to play,’ so it might happen for the India game, too. Their countrymen may question the call to boycott the India match, and then they might reverse the original decision. Their cricketers have set an example, and the same might happen here too,” he added.
ALSO READ | Sunil Gavaskar Delivers Blunt Verdict: Pick Ishan Kishan Over Sanju Samson
The situation has intensified as reports suggest that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering strict action against Pakistan following the PCB’s selective refusal to play India. According to multiple media reports, several ICC member boards have expressed displeasure over Pakistan’s stance.
The controversy has created widespread unrest within the cricketing world, with fears that Pakistan could face severe sanctions, including a possible suspension from international cricket. The move by the PCB has been described in reports as unnecessary and disruptive, potentially putting Pakistan’s future participation in international cricket at serious risk.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.