Salman Ali Agha has opened up about the Government of Pakistan's decision to boycott the match against India

February 5, 2026: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has spoken about the Government of Pakistan's decision to boycott the match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking at the captains’ meeting in Colombo, he said the decision rests entirely with the government, and the players will follow whatever is decided.

India and Pakistan are in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play all of their matches, including the knockout games, in Sri Lanka. On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced that the team will not play against India on February 15.

Players Will Follow the Government Decision

Speaking in Colombo on Thursday, Salman Ali Agha said the players have no role in deciding whether they face India. He added that the squad is focused on their remaining three matches and is excited about the tournament ahead.

“The India game is not in our control. It’s the government’s decision, and we respect that. Whatever they decide, we will follow,” Agha told reporters, as quoted by TOI. “We still have three other games, and we are very excited about them.”

India Game Not in Control

When asked about a possible India clash in the semi-finals or final, Agha avoided giving a direct answer. He said such decisions are not made by the team and would depend on the government’s guidance. “If we have to play India in the semi-final or final, we will follow the government’s advice,” he added.

He also joked, “There are three other games they can come and watch.”

Pakistan to Begin T20 World Cup 2026 Against Netherlands

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the government’s decision to boycott the India match, calling it appropriate. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, will face Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA in the group stage.

The Men in Green will start their campaign against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday, February 7. After exiting early in the 2024 T20 World Cup with losses to India and the USA, Pakistan will hope to perform better this year.

Pakistan comes into the tournament in strong form, having defeated Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep. The team will aim to carry this confidence into the World Cup.