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Pakistan's India Boycott Shows Fear, Hurts Own Cricket: Kaneria

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has criticized his country's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India, calling it a "very, very wrong decision." He argues the move sends a negative message that Pakistan is scared of facing its arch-rival, who has consistently beaten them in recent World Cups. Kaneria believes this boycott will significantly harm Pakistan's own chances of reaching the tournament's knockout stages. He concludes that such emotional decisions, made without long-term thought, achieve nothing and that the team should instead fight on the field.

Key Points: Pakistan Boycotting India Match Shows Fear - Kaneria

  • Pakistan to skip T20 WC match vs India
  • Decision harms Pakistan's cricket more
  • Sends message of fear, says Kaneria
  • Makes path to semifinals harder
  • Players likely upset but can't speak
3 min read

'People will feel they are scared of facing India', says Kaneria on Pakistan's decision to boycott T20 WC game

Ex-spinner Danish Kaneria says Pakistan's T20 WC boycott of India sends a message of fear and harms Pakistan's own cricket prospects more than anyone else's.

"People will feel Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play. - Danish Kaneria"

New Delhi, Feb 2

Former spinner Danish Kaneria opined that Pakistan's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup game against India will harm their own cricket more than anyone else's, adding that this decision reflects a negative message that "Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play."

The Pakistan government on Sunday granted approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, they shall not take the field in the match against India, scheduled on February 15.

"Pakistan had earlier requested that they would not come to India to play, and that request was accepted, so their matches were arranged at a neutral venue. In this World Cup, the India-Pakistan match was scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.

"There is no logic in boycotting this match. Pakistan seems to think that it is supporting Bangladesh, which has already been knocked out of the tournament. But they should focus on their own cricket and where they are taking it. This sends a message that people will feel Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play," Kaneria told IANS.

"With this decision, Pakistan has made its path to the semifinals or knockouts much more difficult. I think it's a very, very wrong decision. If Pakistan believes that the India-Pakistan game is a revenue-generating cream, then that rivalry doesn't really exist anymore, because Pakistan cricket is not playing brand cricket which India is playing. India has beaten Pakistan at every stage of the World Cup, whether it's the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup," he added.

On the prospect of Pakistan facing India in the knockout stage in the T20 World Cup stage, Kaneria said, "Decisions like this increase the consequences. They did not think long-term, especially about Bangladesh. Taking such decisions emotionally, without proper thought, is not right in my opinion. Decisions should be taken carefully and wisely. You didn't play the first match, but if tomorrow you meet India in the semifinal or final, will you just hand over the trophy by saying you won't play the final?

"You should come onto the ground, fight it out, and win from there-then it feels like you've taken revenge for everything. But boycotting like this doesn't make any difference at all."

Speaking about how the players are feeling with this decision, Kaneria signed off by saying, "I think many Pakistani cricketers would be upset, but they are in a position where they cannot openly speak about it."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a cricket fan, this is so disappointing. India-Pakistan matches are the highlight of any tournament. This political posturing is ruining the spirit of the game. Let the best team win on the field!
R
Rahul R
Honestly, I feel a bit bad for the Pakistani players. Their board and government are making emotional decisions that hurt their own cricket's future. They should be allowed to play and compete.
A
Aman W
Kaneria sahab has spoken the bitter truth. Pakistan's cricket is going downhill, and such boycotts only confirm their fear. Focus on improving your game, not on empty gestures.
P
Priyanka N
While I agree with Kaneria's point about it being a wrong sporting decision, we should also be careful not to gloat. A strong, confident India doesn't need to mock others' weaknesses. Let's win with grace.
K
Karthik V
This just shows the massive gap between BCCI and PCB. One is building a global cricket empire, the other is stuck in petty politics. Their loss, literally and figuratively.

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