Recently, Pakistan has decided to participate in the T20 Cricket World Cup 2026; however, it has refused to play India throughout the tournament. In an announcement via X, the Government of Pakistan posted:
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 1, 2026
Reactions slowly came in, and people took to social media to express their feelings towards the boycott. Former cricketer Shahid Afridi stated that he stands with the government’s decision, yet believes that cricket can open closed doors. He posted:
I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 2, 2026
Supporting Pakistan’s decision to boycott matches against India in the T20 World Cup, a netizen stated that India’s refusal to shake hands has led Pakistan to this decision. They posted:
If india can refuse to shake hands, take trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, then Pakistan can refuse to play you.
First, learn ethics, evolve as a respectable state, be a good boy, then we’ll reconsider our decision. #T20WorldCup26 #PakvInd #INDvsPAK #indvpak
— Waqas Habib Rana (@waqas464) February 1, 2026
One user added:
India first refused to play bilateral series against Pakistan in the FTP. Afterwards, refused to play an ICC tournament in Pakistan. Then, sinking to the deepest depths of dishonour, refused to even shake hands. Deprive BCCI & broadcasters of their golden goose. Gutsy decision. https://t.co/3mtOJNKH78
— Asad 🇵🇰 (@asadfacts) February 1, 2026
India’s hostility towards Pakistan has now turned to Pakistan’s boycott of India in the field, a user said and posted:
When the other side keeps making sports political — refusing handshakes, rejecting trophies & fueling hostility elsewhere — you can’t keep pretending it’s just a game. At some point, you take a stance. And honestly, I hope things get better once Modi is no longer in the picture. https://t.co/zy05ybqGy2
— Mona Farooq Ahmad (@MonaChaudhryy) February 1, 2026
Another X user added that this decision is right, given the ties between the countries. They posted:
I support this decision 100 percent. These are not normal times where you take sane and rule based decisions.
Bullies like BCCI need to be taught a lesson and this is exactly how it is done. https://t.co/fj9SSNfTYC— Osama 🇵🇰 (@Osama_z1a) February 1, 2026
Admiring Pakistan’s bold move, another netizen said:
Holy Shit 😂
My goodness, what a ballsy move! At the end of day India despite wanting Pakistan’s international isolation could never boycott the Pakistan game, but Pakistan has boycotted India game after running out of patience with them. Bold! https://t.co/CYXecwPPzK
— Momin Sheikh (@MominISheikh) February 1, 2026
Stating that Pakistan will still win the tournament regardless of losing 2 points from a match boycotted against India, a user posted:
If india can refuse to shake hands, take trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, then Pakistan can refuse to play you.
First, learn ethics, evolve as a respectable state, be a good boy, then we’ll reconsider our decision. #T20WorldCup26 #PakvInd #INDvsPAK #indvpak
— Waqas Habib Rana (@waqas464) February 1, 2026
The T20 World Cup is being held in Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will face the Netherlands in their first match on February 7.
