`Damaging their own cricket...`: Madan Lal on Pakistan`s decision

The T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to begin from February 7, with the first clash scheduled to be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka

Feb 2, 2026 - 17:43

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`Damaging their own cricket...`: Madan Lal on Pakistan`s decision

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has decided to boycott the high-profile match against arch-rivals, India.

Speaking on the issue, former Team India cricketer Madan Lal said that the Pakistan government or the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is damaging their own cricket by extending their support to Bangladesh. He also added that teams such as New Zealand, England and others will get sponsorship.

"I think the Pakistan government or PCB, they are all damaging their own cricket. It`s not going to solve their problems. Someone has to be there to think right. They are not thinking right at the moment. They want to support Bangladesh. You keep on supporting Bangladesh. That`s not our business. At the end of the day, Bangladesh is going to suffer, and Pakistan is going to suffer... The main thing is New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia, they are the biggest countries for cricket, they`re going to get the crowds, they`re going to get all the sponsorship," he said.

The controversy began after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, following the minorities atrocities in Bangladesh.

The T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to begin from February 7, with the first clash scheduled to be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka.

The "Men in Blue" will also begin their campaign on the same date by playing a match against the United States of America (USA) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The high-profile clash between arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, is scheduled to be played on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Earlier, the ICC had pushed Bangladesh out of the marquee tournament. The board then replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C of the tournament. Scotland will lock horns against the West Indies in the tournament-opening match on February 7 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.