Harbhajan Singh Slams Pakistan Over India Boycott in T20 World Cup
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has criticized Pakistan’s decision to skip its group-stage match against India at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling it “political theatre” disguised as solidarity with Bangladesh.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan questioned the logic and timing of the move, daring the Pakistan Cricket Board to stick to its stance instead of a predictable last-minute reversal.
“Begani shaadi mein Abdullah deewana,” he said. “Pakistan’s government has announced that their team will play the tournament but not face India. There is absolutely no logic to this. It’s a complete drama meant to mislead people.”
Harbhajan challenged Pakistan’s selective boycott, asking what the country stood to gain from skipping just one match while playing the rest of the tournament. “This is just to show arrogance,” he said. “If you really believe in your cause, then be adamant and face the consequences. There’s no problem with standing with Bangladesh, but what about your own people who want the India-Pakistan match?”
He also highlighted past precedents, noting that Pakistan had participated in the Asia Cup even amid regional tensions, and questioned the timing of their sudden “show of patriotism.”
The controversy arose after Pakistan announced it would play the T20 World Cup but not the India fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, following remarks by PCB chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Despite this, Pakistan have already travelled to Sri Lanka to play their remaining matches under arrangements with the ICC and BCCI, reinforcing Harbhajan’s view that the boycott is more about posturing than principle.
India, meanwhile, are expected to travel as scheduled, with captain Suryakumar Yadav set to walk out for the toss. If Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha fails to appear, India will be awarded a walkover and two points.
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