Former India international Harbhajan Singh has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan over its decision to boycott the group stage match against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup, calling the move nothing more than political theater disguised as a sign of solidarity with Bangladesh. Harbhajan questioned both the intent and timing of the decision, challenging the Pakistan Cricket Board to stick to its position instead of its usual last-minute retreat.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan said: Pakistan’s statement lacked logic and was intended more to create noise than to take a principled stand. He argued that if the PCB truly believes in the cause it is projecting, it should be prepared to face the consequences rather than leaving room for a convenient U-turn.
“Begani shaadi mein Abdullah Dewan,” said Harbhajan. “The Pakistan government said that their team will participate in the T20 World Cup but will not play against India. There is absolutely no logic in this. It is the same Pakistan government and the same PCB who will after some time say that the dispute was actually in Bangladesh, the ICC imposed a ban and we were ready to play and resolve the issue. This is nothing but a complete drama created to mislead people,” he said.
Former off-spinner questioned that Pakistan will win after missing only one match while I play the rest of the tournament.
“What benefit do you get from this? It’s just arrogance,” he said. “If you really think you can do something like this, then be adamant. Let’s see if you have the courage. There is no problem in supporting Bangladesh, but what about the people of your country who want the India-Pakistan match to happen?” – he said.
“This match should have been played at a neutral venue and there was no controversy with you. When there was a war recently, you still played in the Asian Cup. There was drama over the trophy, but the matches went ahead because you didn’t want to let those revenues slip through your hands,” he said, wondering where this sudden show of patriotism was before, he added.
What is the essence of Pakistan’s boycott of India?
The boycott drama erupted after Pakistan announced it would participate in the T20 World Cup but miss the match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The move follows earlier statements by PCB chairman and Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who hinted at withdrawing in solidarity with Bangladesh following their exit from the tournament.
Despite the announcement Pakistan has already visited Sri Lanka conduct the remaining matches under a hybrid agreement agreed with the ICC and BCCI. Harbhajan believes this only proves his point. For him, this is less about principle and more about posturing, and he called on Pakistan to prove otherwise and stand firm when the pressure inevitably mounts.
Meanwhile, despite Pakistan’s stand on the boycott, the Indian team is expected to travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled with captain Suryakumar Yadav set to line up for the toss for the main match. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha fails to show up for the toss, the match referee will award India an out, resulting in the Indian team being awarded two points.
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