The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as it crawls on the edge of historical conflict Pakistan the government officially approved the team’s participation in the tournament, but expressly banned them from playing against them. India on February 15.
This ‘electoral boycott’ solidarity movement in Colombo Bangladesh’’s withdrawal from the event put the PCB on a collision course with the ICC just days before its February 7 start. At this time Salman Ali Agha– the team led by him has already landed Sri Lanka to start a campaign against The NetherlandsThe shadow of a potential loss in the most anticipated match of the tournament looms large in the opening week.
Ashwin reveals why Pakistan won’t miss India game in T20 World Cup 2026 despite boycott
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Unfazed by the political posturing, YouTube channel Ash ki Baat predicts the match will go ahead with absolute certainty. Ashwin highlighted that this decision could lead to a catastrophic financial loss for the PCB.
He noted that the board would likely be forced to compensate broadcasters for the monumental lost revenue from this single unit, estimated at around ₹ 2,300 crore (US$250 million). Ashwin argued that since the tournament is governed by commercial contracts, other ICC member countries will also suffer financially, putting pressure on Pakistan to overturn the decision during the upcoming council meetings.
“100 per cent, the India-Pakistan match will happen. I feel it will happen. The next 3-4 days will see these decisions being overturned. That is my guess and I hope to see the India-Pakistan match. Because there are many business decisions involved in this. Pakistan has another problem. There may be a financial loss. Come to a compromise, it will mean that other ICC member countries will also face a loss. Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat YouTube channel.
Also READ: Boycott case: Will Pakistan face ICC penalty for refusing Indian fixture?
Ashwin on his departure from historic boycotts during ICC tournaments
Ashwin also said why he believes the current situation is different from the boycotts seen in the 1996 and 2003 World Cups. He pointed out that the teams liked it Australia, England and West India Matches previously forfeited due to security and travel risks at specific host venues, the upcoming India-Pakistan game is now scheduled for a neutral site. Ashwin argued that refusing to play a particular opponent at a neutral venue is unacceptable in the modern cricketing landscape.
“We will talk about the 1996 World Cup and also the 2003 World Cup. Teams refused to go to Sri Lanka. They rigged the matches. In the 2003 World Cup too, teams lost matches due to security and travel. But these are venue issues. Right now. Pakistan and India will also play at neutral sites. So there is no problem after that. To say that I will not play a certain opponent is in many ways is unacceptable, I hope that better feelings will prevail and these matches will take place.” Ashwin concluded.
Also READ: Pakistan boycotts India match in T20 WC 2026: List of teams that have forfeited ICC event matches
