Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated on Sunday that the Indian board has left the matter entirely to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will follow any decision made by the global organization in the midst of uncertainty surrounding the India-Pakistan group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
“We have left everything on the ICC. We will follow whatever decision the ICC takes,” Shukla stated on the sidelines of the Indian team’s dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s home in New Delhi, underscoring the BCCI’s position of deferring to the tournament organizers on the delicate matter.
His comments followed Pakistan’s announcement that it would not be playing India in the highly anticipated group stage match that was set for February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan made the choice to back Bangladesh, which had previously stated that it would not be playing the event in India due to security concerns.
The cricket community has responded strongly to the development.
Sourav Ganguly, the former president of the BCCI, was shocked by Pakistan’s action earlier on Sunday and described it as an odd choice during a World Cup.
“Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised Pakistan is backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important,” Ganguly said.
