Pakistan
Former Pakistan great backs India boycott stance(Credits :"X")

Overview:

Yousuf backed the move, describing it as a step aimed at addressing what he sees as an imbalance in world cricket.

Former Pakistan skipper and ex-head coach Mohammad Yousuf has thrown his support behind Pakistan’s call to skip the India fixture at the T20 World Cup 2026, describing it as a matter of principle rather than a political move. He said the decision was meant to question India’s dominance in international cricket.

Pakistan’s government confirmed on Sunday that the team will take part in the T20 World Cup starting February 7 but will sit out the Group A fixture against India on February 15 in Colombo. Reacting to the decision on X, Yousuf backed the move, describing it as a step aimed at addressing what he sees as an imbalance in world cricket.

“A tough but necessary stand by our Government. Principles must come before commercial interests. The ‘selective’ influence in world cricket needs to end for the game to truly be global. We play with pride, but we also stand for equality and justice in sports,” he posted.

“Pakistan vs India is one of the greatest sporting events in the world, yet it continues to suffer from political interference that damages the spirit and pride of the game. In such an unfair environment, choosing not to play becomes an act of principle — an eye‑for‑an‑eye response to protect the integrity of the Sports,” he posted.

Yousuf’s comments come against a backdrop of confusion within cricket circles, with former internationals questioning the limits of Pakistan’s stance. There is also growing curiosity over whether the boycott would hold if India were to appear in the knockout phase, adding further intrigue to an already sensitive rivalry.

The boycott followed remarks from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the Interior Minister’s portfolio. Naqvi had earlier floated the idea of pulling out of the tournament in support of Bangladesh after they were replaced by Scotland for declining to travel to India over security concerns. Despite independent reviews finding no real threat, the episode appears to have reshaped Pakistan’s stance.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...