Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has launched a scathing assault on Pakistan over its determination to boycott the group-stage match in opposition to India on the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the transfer nothing greater than political theater dressed up as solidarity with Bangladesh. Harbhajan questioned each the intent and the timing of the choice, daring the Pakistan Cricket Board to stay to its stance as an alternative of constructing a well-known last-minute retreat.
Talking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan stated Pakistan’s announcement lacked logic and was designed extra to create noise than take a principled stand. He argued that if the PCB really believed within the trigger it was projecting, it must be ready to face the implications relatively than leaving room for a handy U-turn.
“Begani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana,” Harbhajan stated. “Pakistan authorities has stated that their group will take part within the T20 World Cup however is not going to play in opposition to India. There’s completely no logic to this. This is similar Pakistan authorities and the identical PCB that, after a while, will say that the dispute was really Bangladesh’s, the ICC imposed the ban, and we have been able to play and resolve the problem. That is nothing however an entire drama being created to mislead folks,” he stated.
The previous off-spinner questioned what Pakistan stood to realize from skipping just one match whereas taking part in the remainder of the match.
“What profit are you going to get from this? That is simply to indicate conceitedness,” he stated. “In case you actually assume that you are able to do one thing like this, then be adamant. Let’s have a look at should you actually have the heart. There is not any drawback with standing with Bangladesh, however what concerning the folks of your nation who need the India-Pakistan match to occur?” he stated.
“This match was purported to be performed at a impartial venue, and there was no dispute with you. When there was a battle just lately, you continue to performed the Asia Cup. There was drama concerning the trophy, however the matches occurred since you did not wish to let go of that income,” he stated, questioning the place this sudden present of patriotism had been earlier,” he added.
What’s Pakistan’s India boycott all about?
The boycott drama erupted after Pakistan introduced it might take part within the T20 World Cup however skip the India fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The transfer adopted earlier remarks by PCB chairman and Pakistan Inside Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had hinted at withdrawing in solidarity with Bangladesh after their exit from the match.
Regardless of the announcement, Pakistan have already traveled to Sri Lanka to play the remainder of their matches underneath the hybrid association agreed with the ICC and BCCI. Harbhajan believes that solely reinforces his level. For him, that is much less about precept and extra about posturing, and he has challenged Pakistan to show in any other case by standing agency when the stress inevitably mounts.
In the meantime, amid Pakistan’s boycott stance, the Indian group is predicted to journey to Sri Lanka as scheduled, with captain Suryakumar Yadav set to stroll out for the toss for the marquee fixture. If Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha doesn’t seem for the toss, the match referee will award India a walkover, leading to two factors being credited to the Indian facet.
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