Mumbai: In a surprising twist amid escalating cricket diplomacy, former Indian pacer and ex-BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has forecasted that Pakistan will soon retract its boycott of the high-stakes match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sharma, drawing from his political experience, links the decision to ongoing elections in Bangladesh, predicting a U-turn right after February 12.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is slated for February 15 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. However, the Pakistan government has barred its team from facing India, citing political tensions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially notify the International Cricket Council (ICC) of this stance, leaving fans in suspense.
Speaking exclusively to a leading news channel, Sharma dismissed the boycott as a political ploy. “The Bangladesh players are blameless in this mess — it’s pure politics,” he asserted. “Mark my words, post the February 12 polls in Bangladesh, Pakistan will flip their script. Expect a statement emphasising public sentiment and the sanctity of cricket, urging that the game must go on.”
Sharma, who has contested elections himself, speculated that Pakistan’s military leadership might step in to decouple sports from politics. “I’ve been in the political arena; these moves are timed. The army chief could well advocate keeping cricket apolitical,” he added.
This prediction has ignited debates among cricket enthusiasts, with many hoping for a resolution to preserve the iconic rivalry.
With the World Cup getting underway from Saturday, all eyes are on whether Sharma’s insight proves prophetic or if the boycott holds firm, potentially disrupting the tournament’s thrill.