ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan will attract attention for its decision to boycott its significant T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, rather than its performance in the tournament starting Saturday.
The Pakistan government instructed the national team to skip the Group A match against India on February 15, a move that surprised the Cricket community. This announcement came shortly after Pakistan’s victory over Australia, a strong contender, in their last preparation match in Lahore.
“It’s not our decision; we can’t do anything,” said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha regarding the boycott. “We will follow what our government and the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board say.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Wednesday that the boycott was a sign of support for Bangladesh, which was eliminated from the tournament.
In Group A, Pakistan faces three opponents, including the United States, which eliminated them in the 2024 tournament group stage. The Netherlands has also shocked stronger teams, including a notable win against South Africa in 2022.
Six players, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, participated in the match against the U.S.
Namibia is the other Associate country in the group, and Pakistan cannot afford to lose to any opponent after potentially giving up two points to India due to the boycott.
Pakistan begins its tournament against the Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Saturday. They will play the United States next on February 10 and face Namibia on February 18, following an eight-day break.
Under coach Mike Hesson, Pakistan has adopted a more aggressive style of play. Captain Agha has emphasized a fast scoring rate in recent series.
Babar Azam, who is a leading run-scorer, missed much of the preparation but returned for the home series against South Africa in late October. Despite a lackluster performance in Australia’s Big Bash League, his experience on slow pitches earned him a spot in the squad.
Pakistan will likely keep its successful opening pair, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, while Babar could play a key role at No. 4.
All games, including semifinals and finals if they advance, will take place in Sri Lanka, where the pitches are expected to favor spinners. Pakistan’s squad includes a variety of spin bowlers.
Spinner Usman Tariq brings a distinctive bowling action that surprised Australian players, while leg-spinners Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed, along with Mohammad Nawaz and Ayub, offer further options in the bowling lineup.
Despite his success in the Big Bash League, fast bowler Haris Rauf was not included as selectors prioritize spin bowling in Sri Lanka.
Shah, Afridi, and Salman Mirza are the specialist fast bowlers, with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf as an additional seam option.
Pakistan has a strong T20 World Cup history and could be a team to watch despite off-field issues, having reached three finals and winning the title in 2009.
