Former spinner Danish Kaneria expressed his belief that Pakistan’s choice to skip the T20 World Cup game against India will have a more negative impact on their cricket than on anyone else’s. He stated that this move conveys a message that “Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play.” The Pakistan government has approved the team’s participation in the ICC World T20 2026 but excluded them from the match against India on February 15.
Pakistan had initially requested to avoid playing in India, leading to their matches being scheduled at a neutral venue. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan match in the World Cup was set to take place in Sri Lanka. Kaneria criticized Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their cricket rather than supporting other teams.
Kaneria highlighted that Pakistan’s boycott could complicate their path to the semifinals or knockouts. He criticized the decision, stating that it undermines the significance of the India-Pakistan rivalry. The former cricketer urged for a more strategic approach, warning that emotional decisions could have long-term consequences.
Expressing concern over the emotional nature of the decision, Kaneria questioned the impact on Pakistani cricketers. He suggested that many players might be unhappy with the choice but are unable to voice their opinions publicly. Kaneria emphasized the importance of facing challenges on the field rather than boycotting matches.
