Pakistan will boycott T20 World Cup match against India; ICC's crucial response awaited

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced a boycott of the match against India in the Twenty20 World Cup. The Super Clash was supposed to be held at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. The announcement in this regard was made by the Pakistani government. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that the team will play the remaining matches of the World Cup. All of Pakistan's matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had met to discuss the matter. Pakistan had earlier protested, blaming India for Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament.

ICC had rejected Bangladesh's request to move their matches to co-hosts Sri Lanka. Bangladesh then withdrew, while Scotland was roped in as a replacement. Pakistan also considered boycotting the tournament in protest. However, Pakistan bowed to the ICC's warning of strict action. However, Pakistan now decided to boycott its match against India as a part of its support for Bangladesh.

ICC is yet to respond to Pakistan's decision not to play its scheduled match against India. The decision from the board will likely be crucial.

India, Pakistan, USA and Netherlands are competing in the same group. Pakistan's decision to boycott the match with India might have stemmed from the strong belief of advancing to the next round.