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Suniel Shetty Calls India-Pakistan Rivalry "Beautiful" Amid T20 WC Boycott

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty expressed his desire to watch an India-Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling their cricket rivalry "beautiful." His comments come after Pakistan's government announced a boycott of their group-stage match against India without providing a reason. The BCCI has strongly condemned Pakistan's decision, labeling it against the spirit of sportsmanship, while the ICC has called for a resolution. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav stated the team remains prepared for the clash despite the uncertainty.

Key Points: Suniel Shetty on India-Pakistan T20 WC Boycott & Rivalry

  • Pakistan boycotts T20 WC match vs India
  • BCCI condemns decision as "against sportsmanship"
  • ICC warns against "selective participation"
  • Suniel Shetty hopes to witness the rivalry
2 min read

"Both have beautiful rivalry": Suniel Shetty wishes to watch India-Pakistan match at T20 WC 2026

Bollywood's Suniel Shetty wishes to see India-Pakistan match at T20 WC 2026. BCCI condemns Pakistan's boycott as ICC seeks resolution.

"I want Pakistan to come to Sri Lanka and play against India. The India and Pakistan teams have a beautiful rivalry just like the Ashes. - Suniel Shetty"

Mumbai, February 6

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty shared his views regarding Pakistan's decision to boycott their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 at Colombo.

While adressing the media at the Black Scorpion To Hell And Back book launch in Mumbai, Shetty expressed his desire to watch a match between India and Pakistan at the upcoming T20 World Cup, noting that both nations share a "beautiful rivalry" in cricket.

"I want Pakistan to come to Sri Lanka and play against India. The India and Pakistan teams have a beautiful rivalry just like the Ashes between Australia and England," said Suniel Shetty.

The 'Border' actor's comments came amid uncertainty about the India vs Pakistan match at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Notably, Pakistan decided to boycott its group-stage match against India in the T20 World Cup after the Pakistan government posted on X that the Pakistan Team "shall not take the field" in the match against India without providing any reason.

Following the Pakistan Government's decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement saying that "selective participation" is not fair to the "fundamental premise of a global sporting event" and that it expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday strongly condemned Pakistan's decision to boycott their February 15 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against India, terming it "against the sportsmanship of any sport."

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Joint Secretary of BCCI, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, called the decision "very wrong" and expressed confidence that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would take strict action.

"This is against the sportsmanship of any sport. This is a very wrong decision by Pakistan. I am sure the ICC will take very strict action, and we will wait for the ICC's decision," Bhatia said.

Earlier on Thursday, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav said that the Indian team is fully prepared for the anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Speaking during the Captains' media briefing in Colombo, Suryakumar stressed that India's approach remains unchanged despite Pakistan's boycott.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, this is so disappointing. The India-Pakistan match is the highlight of any tournament. This boycott just punishes the players and millions of fans on both sides of the border. Hope sense prevails.
V
Vikram M
BCCI is correct in calling it against sportsmanship. You can't just pick and choose which matches to play in a World Cup. ICC should impose a heavy penalty. Rules are rules for everyone.
P
Priya S
Honestly, maybe it's for the best. These matches come with so much pressure and negativity sometimes. Focus on the other games. Our team is prepared regardless. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while I love Anna Suniel Shetty, calling it a "beautiful rivalry" feels a bit naive right now. It's more complicated than the Ashes. The political tension always overshadows the game. 😕
K
Karthik V
Their loss. Our team is ready as SKY said. We'll dominate the group stage anyway. Hope ICC gives them a strong message so this doesn't set a bad example for future tournaments.

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