PM Shehbaz Sharif Backs BOYCOTT Of IND PAK T20 WC Clash On Feb 15
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that Pakistan will boycott the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15, while continuing to participate in the rest of the tournament. Announcing the decision during a cabinet meeting, Sharif said the move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was dropped from the competition after refusing to travel to India over security concerns. He described the boycott as a protest against what Pakistan sees as the ICC’s “double standards” and the politicisation of sports, citing the ICC’s earlier decision to allow India to skip Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. Despite the financial and sporting risks, including possible penalties of up to $250 million for the Pakistan Cricket Board, Sharif said Pakistan would prioritise “principle over profit.” The ICC has warned that selective participation violates participation agreements and is still awaiting official written confirmation from the PCB. Meanwhile, talks are reportedly ongoing behind the scenes to explore a possible compromise before the February 15 deadline. Pakistan cricket, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan PM statement, IND vs PAK, India Pakistan match, T20 World Cup, World Cup 2026, cricket controversy, ICC row, ICC dispute, ICC double standards, sports and politics, cricket diplomacy, Pakistan boycott, IND PAK boycott, Bangladesh cricket, Bangladesh dropped from World Cup, Pakistan Bangladesh solidarity, selective participation, PCB news, Pakistan Cricket Board, ICC sanctions, ICC warning, cricket governance, international cricket, geopolitics in sports, India Pakistan rivalry, marquee clash, cricket world news, South Asia cricket, sports diplomacy, global cricket politics, World Cup controversy, breaking sports news, India Pakistan tensions, cricket protest, principle over profit #pakistan #cricket #worldcup Welcome to The Free Press Journal – Trusted News Since 1928 Delivering reliable, unbiased, and in-depth journalism for over 96 years. Stay informed with the latest in breaking news, politics, business, entertainment, sports, health, and more—straight from one of Mumbai’s oldest and most respected English dailies. 📲 Subscribe for real news, real stories, and real impact. #FreePressJournal #FPJ #BreakingNews #IndiaNews #TrustedJournalism Subscribe To Our Channels: Website: https://www.freepressjournal.in Social Media Links Facebook: / freepressjournal YouTube: / @thefreepressjournal YouTube Shorts: / @thefreepressjournal Twitter: https://x.com/fpjindia Instagram: / freepressjournal Telegram: https://t.me/freepressjournal Follow The Free Press Journal Channel On WhatsApp The Free Press Journal E-Paper Is Now Available On Your Android Phones & Tablets At No Cost To Download The App: https://www.freepressjournal.in/get-apps
