"ICC is going to take decisive action for sure": BCCI Joint Secy on Pakistan to boycott T20 WC group match against India
Vadodara, February 6
The Board of Control for Cricket in India 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.
When asked about the possible measures the ICC could take against Pakistan, he added, "We can't discuss that here, but ICC is going to take decisive action for sure."
Earlier on Thursday, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed the BCCI's stance, assuring that the Indian team is fully prepared for the anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Speaking during the Captains' media briefing in Colombo, Suryakumar stressed that India's approach remains unchanged despite Pakistan's boycott.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled from February 7 to March 8, with India opening their campaign against the USA on February 7, followed by a group-stage match against Namibia on February 12. Group A also features the Netherlands alongside Pakistan.
The Indian squad for the tournament includes captain Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a cricket lover, I'm so disappointed. India-Pak match is the highlight of any tournament. Their loss, I guess. Our team is strong and ready regardless. Hope ICC ensures such disruptions don't become a norm.
Honestly, good riddance. Less tension, more focus on actual cricket. We can enjoy matches against other teams in peace. But yes, ICC should set a precedent so no team tries this stunt in future.
While I understand the BCCI's frustration, I hope the "decisive action" is proportional and fair. The goal should be to bring teams together, not deepen divides. Sports should be a bridge.
Typical move. They know they can't beat our current squad led by Surya! BCCI is correct, this is against sportsmanship. ICC ka action dekhte hain. Meanwhile, all the best Team India! 💪
The fans are the real losers here. Many save up for years to watch this clash live. Such a selfish decision by PCB. Hope ICC bans them from a future tournament as a lesson.
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