ISLAMABAD: Tensions between India and Pakistan have spilled from thecricket field into diplomatic channels amid Pakistan’s decision to boycotttheir scheduled T20 World Cup group match against India on February 15 inColombo, Sri Lanka. Former Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basitrevealed on social media that reliable sources indicate New Delhi hasapproached US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, requesting United Statesintervention to persuade Islamabad to revoke the refusal and ensure thehigh-profile encounter proceeds as planned.
The boycott stems from Pakistan’s show of solidarity with Bangladesh, whichfaced exclusion from the tournament over security and participation issuesrelated to traveling to India. The Pakistan government issued a formalstatement approving the national team’s overall participation in the ICCMen’s T20 World Cup 2026 but explicitly barring them from taking the fieldagainst India. This move follows reciprocal actions in recent bilateralcricketing relations, including India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistanduring the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India’s games were relocated toDubai.
Abdul Basit, a seasoned diplomat who served as Pakistan’s envoy to Indiafrom 2014 to 2017 and previously as Foreign Office spokesman, posted on Xthat “according to some reliable sources India has asked Ambassador SergioGor for US intervention to persuade Pakistan to revoke its decision to notplay against India on Feb. 15.” His claim has sparked widespread discussionon social media and in cricketing circles, highlighting how geopoliticalfrictions continue to overshadow one of cricket’s most commerciallyvaluable rivalries.
Sergio Gor, who assumed his role as US Ambassador to India in early 2026after being nominated by President Donald Trump and presenting credentialsin January, also serves as Special Envoy for South and Central AsianAffairs. The involvement of a senior American diplomat in a sports disputeunderscores the broader strategic importance of Indo-US ties, particularlyin defense, trade, and regional stability, even as cricket disputes drawinternational attention.
The International Cricket Council has expressed concern over the boycott,stating that such decisions harm the global game and fans worldwide.Pakistan faces forfeiture of points for the match, with India awardedmaximum points under tournament rules. The ICC has urged the PakistanCricket Board to seek a mutually acceptable resolution, warning ofsignificant long-term implications for Pakistan’s standing in internationalcricket and the ecosystem as a whole.
Pakistan’s position reflects ongoing grievances, including perceptions ofselective enforcement by cricket authorities. Former players and officialshave challenged the ICC’s influence, with some arguing that Pakistanretains sovereignty over participation decisions. The government hasreiterated that the choice aligns with national policy, emphasizingsolidarity amid regional disputes involving neighboring countries.
The India-Pakistan fixture remains cricket’s biggest draw, generatingmassive revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and viewership.Its absence from the group stage marks the first such occurrence in a men’sICC event since 2010, raising questions about the tournament’s integrityand financial impact. Negotiations between the ICC and PCB have beenreported, with delegations visiting Lahore, though no final resolution hasemerged as the February 15 date approaches.
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Diplomatic analysts note that invoking third-party intervention inbilateral cricketing matters is unusual, yet it mirrors past instanceswhere major powers have mediated in South Asian disputes. The US hashistorically played roles in facilitating dialogue between India andPakistan on security and economic fronts, though sports rarely featureprominently. Basit’s disclosure may aim to highlight perceived externalpressures on Pakistan’s sovereign decisions.
Cricket relations between the two nations have been strained since 2013,with no bilateral series played and encounters limited to ICC events.Recent episodes, including venue shifts and participation conditions,illustrate how political sensitivities routinely intrude on the sport. Thecurrent impasse could influence future tournaments, including potentialknockout scenarios if both teams advance.
The episode underscores the intersection of sports, politics, and diplomacyin South Asia. As the T20 World Cup progresses, stakeholders await clarityon whether diplomatic efforts will succeed or if the boycott will proceed,potentially reshaping the tournament’s narrative and legacy.
Source:https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/how-the-icc-pcb-problem-over-india-boycott-could-play-out-at-the-2026-t20-world-cup-1522178
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