Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousaf has come out in support of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, calling it a tough but principled stance.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Yousaf said national principles must take priority over commercial interests, adding that selective influence in international cricket undermines the spirit of the global game. He stressed that for cricket to truly be international, fairness and equality must be upheld.
“We play with pride, but we also stand for equality and justice in sport,” Yousaf said, highlighting the importance of integrity beyond the boundary.
The reaction comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore on Sunday to review Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Following the meeting, the government approved Pakistan’s participation in the tournament but directed that the national team would not play its scheduled match against India on February 15, 2026.
According to sources, the discussions covered security concerns, scheduling challenges, and diplomatic considerations. The final decision aims to strike a balance between Pakistan’s commitment to international cricket and adherence to national policy directives.
