Sourav Ganguly reacts to Pakistan's boycott stance against India in T20 World Cup
India Today
ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Pakistan's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India, even as the tournament begins.
Former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday expressed surprise over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its marquee T20 World Cup group match against India, saying, “I don’t know why Pakistan won’t play against India in the World Cup match. This is the first time I’ve heard that Pakistan won’t play against India in the World Cup,” even as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway amid heightened security arrangements.
The tournament opens on Wednesday in Colombo, while Eden Gardens is set to host the first match in India, with Scotland taking on the West Indies. Security has been significantly enhanced at the iconic Kolkata venue, with the city’s police commissioner personally visiting the stadium to review arrangements. Officials from the Cricket Association of Bengal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the International Cricket Council are working in close coordination to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the tournament.
Backing the hosts, Ganguly said India were among the favourites to lift the trophy, adding, “It’s a World Cup at home. India’s chances are bright on home soil.” He also expressed disappointment over Bangladesh’s absence from the tournament, saying the team should have played in the World Cup.
Pakistan on Sunday formally announced that while its national team has been cleared to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it will not take the field for the marquee group league clash against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The decision followed days of speculation over Pakistan’s participation after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns. The Pakistan government said the boycott was a mark of protest after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland and declined requests to move matches out of India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier said the final call on participation would be taken by the government in the wake of Bangladesh’s ouster.
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