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Pakistan to Seek Government Guidance if T20 World Cup Knockout Faces India
Pakistan captain Salman Agha says the team will follow government advice if they meet India in semis or final. India will attend Colombo match despite Pakistan boycott.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-05
Pakistan to Seek Government Guidance if T20 World Cup Knockout Faces India

Pakistan captain Salman Agha confirmed on Thursday that the team will consult the government if they reach the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup and face arch-rivals India, amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the tournament.

Pakistan, along with Bangladesh, has been embroiled in a dispute over playing matches in India. Bangladesh refused to travel to India citing security concerns and were subsequently expelled from the tournament, replaced by Scotland. Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka but did not play India in their scheduled Group A clash on February 15, following instructions from the Islamabad government.

“The India game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision and if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we will go back to them and act on their advice,” Agha said.

Despite the boycott, India confirmed they will be present in Colombo, prepared to take the field and claim the two points by forfeit. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “We haven’t said no to playing them. They are the ones who have said no. Our flights are booked, and we are going to Colombo.”

Pakistan’s group stage features matches against Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. While forfeiting the India match costs Pakistan two points and may affect their net run rate, Agha emphasized the team’s focus on playing good cricket. “We know the margin for error is small, but we can’t control the weather. We are here to play good cricket and we’re not bothered about the conditions,” he said.

The 2009 champions enter the tournament after a 3-0 home series whitewash of Australia and have remained unbeaten in series play since the Asia Cup last year. Agha expressed confidence in the team’s form and comfort in Sri Lanka, calling the country a “second home.”

“Very happy to play in Sri Lanka — this is my sixth visit. We know the conditions and we get a lot of support,” he added.

With tensions running high between Pakistan and India off the field, the T20 World Cup is set to combine political intrigue with cricketing action, leaving fans around the world watching closely for both the games and the potential showdown between the South Asian rivals.
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