Suniel Shetty says ‘I want Pakistan to come to Sri Lanka and play against India’ amid boycott row at ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Suniel Shetty has shared his views on Pakistan’s reported decision to boycott its ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Addressing the media at the launch of Black Scorpion: To Hell And Back in Mumbai, the Border actor expressed hope that the high-voltage clash would still take place, stressing the historic significance of the rivalry.

“I want Pakistan to come to Sri Lanka and play against India. The India and Pakistan teams have a beautiful rivalry just like the Ashes between Australia and England,” Suniel Shetty said.

Uncertainty looms over India vs Pakistan fixture

Suniel Shetty’s remarks come at a time when uncertainty surrounds the much-anticipated India–Pakistan match at the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pakistan recently decided to boycott the group-stage encounter, after the Pakistan government posted on X that the Pakistan team “shall not take the field” against India, without citing any specific reason.

ICC responds to Pakistan’s decision

Following the Pakistan government’s announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement expressing concern over the development. The global cricketing body stated that “selective participation” goes against the “fundamental premise of a global sporting event” and added that it expects the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to explore a mutually acceptable solution that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.

BCCI condemns boycott as ‘against sportsmanship’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott the February 15 clash, calling it unsporting. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, BCCI Joint Secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia said, “This is against the sportsmanship of any sport. This is a very wrong decision by Pakistan. I am sure the ICC will take very strict action, and we will wait for the ICC's decision.”

Team India unfazed amid controversy

Earlier in the day, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav stated that the Indian team remains fully prepared for a potential showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan. Speaking during the captains’ media briefing in Colombo, Suryakumar emphasised that India’s approach would remain unchanged, irrespective of the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”