Pakistan Prime Minister on Tuesday said that his country stands with Bangladesh as discussions continue over a possible boycott of the India–Pakistan match in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The statement has added a fresh political dimension to the high-profile cricket tournament, where encounters between India and Pakistan are among the most anticipated fixtures.
Speaking on the issue, the Prime Minister said Pakistan’s position was guided by solidarity and principle, noting that consultations were ongoing at multiple levels. He emphasised that the matter was being considered carefully, keeping in mind regional sensitivities and broader diplomatic considerations. While no final decision has been announced, his remarks indicated that a boycott remains a serious option under discussion.
The comments come amid reports that Bangladesh has raised concerns over participation and scheduling, prompting Pakistan to publicly align itself with its neighbour. Officials in Islamabad have maintained that sports cannot always be separated from political and humanitarian concerns, especially when regional tensions remain unresolved.
Cricket administrators, meanwhile, have sought to downplay the controversy. Sources within international cricketing bodies said efforts were underway to ensure that the tournament proceeds smoothly and that all scheduled matches take place as planned. They also reiterated that any decision to boycott a match would rest solely with the participating national boards.
Reactions to the Prime Minister’s statement have been mixed. Opposition leaders and former cricketers in Pakistan have cautioned against politicising sport, warning that a boycott could isolate Pakistani cricket and disappoint fans worldwide. Others, however, have supported the government’s stance, calling it a matter of national and regional solidarity.
With the T20 World Cup drawing closer, uncertainty now hangs over one of cricket’s biggest rivalries. Whether the India–Pakistan clash will go ahead as scheduled remains to be seen, as diplomatic signals, sporting interests, and public sentiment continue to intersect in the lead-up to the tournament.
