Sunil Gavaskar Slams Pakistan’s Boycott Threat, Urges ICC to Act Firmly Ahead of High-Voltage World Cup Clash
Former Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised both the Pakistan cricket establishment and its players over the threat to boycott the highly anticipated group-stage clash against India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
The blockbuster encounter, scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15, has been thrown into uncertainty after the Pakistan government confirmed that while the team would participate in the tournament, it would not take the field against India national cricket team in the group stage.
If Pakistan follows through with its decision, tournament rules would result in India being awarded a walkover victory — a scenario that could significantly impact group standings and the overall competition.
Despite the current tension, Gavaskar remains confident that Pakistan may eventually reverse its stance.
“I still feel there will be a U-turn,” Gavaskar said, suggesting that the enormity of the occasion and the wider implications could force Pakistan to reconsider.
ICC Must Step In, Says Gavaskar
The legendary opener stressed that the biggest concern is the timing of the potential withdrawal. According to him, backing out at the last moment — just before or during the tournament — disrupts not only schedules but also the spirit of international competition.
“If you withdraw much earlier, that’s one thing. But pulling out on the eve of the tournament is a serious issue. In that case, the ICC should certainly step in and take action,” he remarked.
While Gavaskar admitted he was unsure what form the punishment should take, he emphasised that any decision would involve multiple cricket boards — not just one authority.
“There are many boards involved. It’s not going to be a one-person decision. But whatever action is taken should send a strong message, so no team in the future even thinks of doing something similar.”
Group Dynamics at Stake
India and Pakistan are placed in a competitive group alongside the Namibia national cricket team, the United States national cricket team, and the Netherlands national cricket team.
The tournament will kick off on February 7, with India beginning their campaign against the USA — a fixture that has already drawn global interest due to cricket’s expanding footprint in North America.
However, it is the India-Pakistan showdown that traditionally commands the biggest audience in world cricket, often breaking viewership records and becoming the emotional centrepiece of any ICC tournament.
Bigger Than Just One Match
Cricket experts believe a boycott would not only hurt fans but also undermine the integrity of the World Cup. High-profile clashes like India vs Pakistan are crucial for broadcasters, sponsors, and the global growth of the sport.
Gavaskar’s remarks reflect growing sentiment within the cricketing world that political posturing at the last moment damages the game’s credibility and sets a dangerous precedent.
As the countdown to the tournament continues, all eyes remain on whether Pakistan will stick to its hardline stance — or, as Gavaskar predicts, quietly step back and allow cricket to take centre stage.
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