ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha declared on Thursdaythat the national team will consult the government before facingarch-rivals India in any knockout stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup2026. Speaking at the captains’ press conference in Colombo, Aghaemphasized that the decision regarding bilateral matches lies beyond theteam’s control. He confirmed that should the two sides meet in thesemi-final or final, the squad will strictly follow directives issued byrelevant authorities in Islamabad.
The statement arrives amid heightened political sensitivity surroundingIndia-Pakistan cricket encounters. Pakistan Cricket Board officials andgovernment sources have maintained a firm stance against playing bilateralseries with India since 2012-13 due to security and diplomatic reasons. Theupcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has alreadywitnessed significant controversy after the exclusion of Bangladesh fromthe tournament and Pakistan’s refusal to play their scheduled Group Aleague match against India.
According to the official schedule released by the International CricketCouncil, Pakistan and India are placed in different groups for the leaguestage. Group A features Pakistan alongside Sri Lanka, Australia, and twoqualifiers, while India heads Group B with England, South Africa, andothers. This separation ensures no group-stage clash, yet the tournamentstructure allows for possible meetings in the semi-finals or final if bothteams advance through strong performances and favorable results.
Salman Ali Agha, who assumed captaincy following Babar Azam’s temporarystep-back from white-ball leadership, addressed reporters directly on theissue. He reiterated that the initial decision to avoid the league fixturestemmed from government policy rather than player preference. The30-year-old all-rounder stressed readiness to compete against any opponentbut underscored the necessity of official clearance for politically chargedfixtures involving India.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled from February 15 to March 15across multiple venues in India and Sri Lanka. Sixteen teams willparticipate after qualification rounds conclude in 2025. Historical datashows India and Pakistan have met nine times in T20 World Cups, with Indiaholding a 7-1 edge and one match ending without result. Their most recentclash came in the 2022 semi-final, where Pakistan suffered a narrow defeat.
Pakistan’s current squad preparation remains focused on upcomingassignments, including series against New Zealand and potential warm-upmatches before the global event. Cricket analysts note that knockout-stageprogression depends heavily on consistent batting, bowling variations, andfielding standards. Salman Ali Agha’s leadership will face its sternesttest if Pakistan reaches the latter stages and an India encounter becomesmathematically possible.
Government involvement in cricket diplomacy reflects broader bilateralrelations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Past instances,including the 2019 World Cup group match played under tight security inManchester and the 2021 T20 World Cup Super 12 fixture in Dubai,demonstrate that high-level clearance has occasionally permitted matches onneutral soil. However, home or co-host scenarios introduce additionalcomplexities.
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The PCB continues to prioritize player safety, team morale, and performancemetrics over political speculation. Sources within the board indicatecontingency planning for various scenarios, including potential semi-finalor final line-ups. Public sentiment in Pakistan remains divided, withpassionate fans eagerly anticipating a high-stakes contest while otherssupport adherence to official policy.
As the tournament draws closer, all eyes will remain on Islamabad for anyshift in position regarding India-Pakistan matches. Salman Ali Agha’smeasured comments reinforce the chain of command in such sensitive matters.The possibility of a blockbuster semi-final or final clash continues togenerate global interest despite underlying diplomatic hurdles.
Cricket followers anticipate that clarity may emerge nearer to the businessend of the competition. Until then, Pakistan’s campaign strategy willcenter on securing top-four finishes within their group to maximizeadvancement chances while respecting established protocols on cross-borderfixtures.
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