The T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan is set for February 15 in Colombo, but the Pakistani government has refused to participate. India-Pakistan rivalry is among cricket's most intense. The pre-match atmosphere is already heated, and Pakistan's decision has sparked fierce reactions. Former Indian captain Kapil Dev shared his thoughts, asserting that this step harms Pakistan's future more than India's.
Pakistan confirmed on Sunday that while they will participate in the T20 World Cup, they will boycott the match against India in Colombo on February 15. The decision comes after the ICC dismissed Bangladesh's request to move the match outside India.
Kapil Dev's Critique
In a media interaction, Kapil Dev candidly discussed Pakistan's stance. The captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team stated that this issue extends beyond politics and reputation, directly affecting young cricketers' careers.
Read more: How ICC loses revenue from Pakistan's drama, PCB's 7-year earnings = One IND vs PAK match
He stated, 'If players made this decision, they should speak up. But if the board refuses to let you play, it tarnishes the country's credibility.' He further warned that repeated withdrawal and boycott could isolate Pakistan cricket. The situation doesn't seem favorable for Pakistan. A whole generation is being put at risk.
Also read: From tension to boycott: How Mohsin Naqvi politicized India-Pak match in a year, full timeline
This boycott has placed the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an awkward position. ICC tournaments heavily rely on India-Pakistan matches for significant broadcast revenue.
