Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s proposed boycott of their high-profile T20 World Cup clash against India, Pakistan captain Salman Agha has made it clear that the decision lies entirely beyond the team’s control and rests with the country’s government.
Speaking at the Captain’s Day press conference ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Agha said the players are respecting the government’s stance while remaining focused on their on-field responsibilities.
“Yeah, the India game, it’s not in our control. It’s a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we do that. We’re also playing three other games, and we are very excited about that. Yeah, we lost to the USA in the last World Cup, but that’s history now. It’s a new World Cup, a new team, and a new combination. And we are very excited for that,” Agha said.
While uncertainty continues to loom over the scheduled India–Pakistan group-stage fixture, the Pakistan skipper stressed that the team’s attention is firmly on the remaining matches in the tournament.
“There are three other games. They can come and watch that game, and I’m sure they will be excited as well. Don’t worry.”
Asked whether Pakistan’s stance would change if the two arch-rivals were to meet later in the knockout stages, Agha reiterated that such matters are beyond the team’s remit.
“I have mentioned that before. It is a government decision, and we respect that,” he said. “We will do what they are going to say, and we will do that.”
The captain also acknowledged that there is no clarity at this stage on whether the India fixture will go ahead at all.
“Regardless, I do not know if the game is going to happen or not, but the government has said one thing, and we are going to do that. I do not know about the game.”
Addressing concerns over possible weather interruptions in Colombo, Agha downplayed the issue, saying the team is focusing only on factors within its control.
“The weather is something you can’t control. We don’t really think about what we can’t control,” he said. “We are just here to play good cricket, and whatever challenges are thrown at us, we will deal with that.”
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match has been linked to its show of solidarity with Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland in the tournament after refusing to travel to India, citing security concerns. Bangladesh had requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, a proposal that was rejected by the ICC.
Following the Pakistan government’s announcement on social media that the national team “shall not take the field” against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a strong response, warning that selective participation undermines the principles of global competition.
In an official release, the ICC said it had taken note of the Government of Pakistan’s position, adding that such a stance is difficult to reconcile with the fundamentals of a global sporting event.
“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” the ICC stated.
The governing body further stressed that ICC tournaments are built on fairness, competitiveness and sporting integrity and warned that selective participation threatens the sanctity of the competition.
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” the statement added. “The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country.”
The ICC reiterated that its priority remains the smooth conduct of the Men’s T20 World Cup and urged the PCB to seek a mutually acceptable solution that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.
Last month, PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to brief him on the situation following Bangladesh’s withdrawal. The ICC subsequently confirmed Scotland’s inclusion as Bangladesh’s replacement, citing the absence of any credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh team in India.
Scotland, currently ranked 14th in T20Is, became the highest-ranked team outside the original qualification bracket to be drafted into the 20-team tournament, which runs from February 7 to March 8.