NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes the decision to boycott the T20 World Cup clash against India will hurt Pakistan cricket more than anyone else, warning that it projects a negative image and suggests that “Pakistan are scared of facing India, which is why they are refusing to play.”On Sunday, the Pakistan government cleared the national team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026 but directed them not to take the field against India in the February 15 fixture.
Explaining his stance, Kaneria said Pakistan’s earlier request to avoid travelling to India had already been accommodated, with matches shifted to neutral venues. He pointed out that the marquee India–Pakistan contest in this World Cup was scheduled in Sri Lanka, making the boycott difficult to justify.“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 said.Kaneria added that the move has significantly complicated Pakistan’s path to the knockout stages, calling it a grave miscalculation. He also questioned the relevance of the rivalry, noting India’s consistent dominance in recent World Cups.“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 said.Looking ahead to a potential knockout meeting, Kaneria warned against emotionally driven choices.“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.”He concluded by suggesting players may be unhappy but constrained from speaking out.“I think many Pakistani cricketers would be upset, but they are in a position where they cannot openly speak about it.”
