Ravichandran Ashwin, the famous cricketer, believes Pakistan would abandon their boycott of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 match within five days. Ashwin stated that the headline fixture in the 20-team competition will eventually take place on February 15.
Ashwin said Pakistan’s decision to boycott India will have financial repercussions for the International Cricket Council, its member countries and broadcasters. He also added that the boycott could have severe consequences for the Men in Green, with other countries refusing NOCs (No Objection Certificates) to their players for this season’s Pakistan Super League.
“100 per cent the match will happen. I think Pakistan will backtrack over the next four to five days. I want to see the encounter as well. They can face financial losses. The broadcasters will lose a lot of money, so there has to be a compromise. All the members will face losses, and they will say in the ICC meeting that because of Pakistan, we are facing these losses. In the PSL, the players might not be given the NOCs,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin further stated that declining to play against a certain rival “was not acceptable.” He believes Pakistan would reconsider their boycott of the high-profile match.
“Pakistan and India will be playing at a neutral venue, so the issue of the venue is not there. To say that I will not play against a particular opponent is not acceptable. I hope better sense prevails and these matches take place.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
I would not be surprised if they go the distance: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin said teams cannot take Pakistan lightly in view of their current form and a 3-0 win against Australia in the three-match T20I series at home.
“I would not be surprised if they go the distance. Pakistan’s biggest enemy is itself. It’s all about their mindset. If you tell them you can’t lose against India, then that would be a big problem.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
