Why Pakistan is Boycotting India at the T20 World Cup: PM Shehbaz Sharif Explains "Considered Stance"

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that the national team will boycott its T20 World Cup match against India. The game was set for February 15. Sharif said this is a "considered stance" to show support for Bangladesh. This decision came after the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused to listen to security worries from Bangladesh.

This move increases tension in regional sports politics and could cost hundreds of millions in media money. It also puts Pakistan’s future in global cricket at risk.

Solidarity or Strategy? Sharif Defends the Boycott

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to his cabinet in Islamabad. He said the boycott is about doing the right thing. Bangladesh was recently replaced by Scotland in the tournament after it refused to play its matches in India owing to safety concerns. Pakistan says sports should not involve politics, and that this boycott is a direct protest against how the ICC treated Bangladesh.

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According to a report by The Hindu, Sharif stated: "We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won’t play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field. We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision. We are with Bangladesh."

This choice creates a new diplomatic team between Pakistan and Bangladesh; however, the ICC has warned of ‘serious consequences,’ as the India-Pakistan game is one of the main reasons sponsors pay for the tournament.

Who Pays for the Boycott of the Pakistan vs India Match?

The India-Pakistan rivalry is a giant money-maker. A single game can generate about $250 million. The ICC passes this money down to developing teams like Nepal and the USA. If the game is boycotted, these teams might lose their funding.

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The Economic Times reports that broadcasters like JioStar could lose between Rs. 200 crore and Rs. 250 crore in ads. Local businesses in Colombo will also suffer. Hotels and shops that were counting on fans to spend money might also bear the brunt. If the ICC disapproves of the boycott, it might stop funding the Pakistan Cricket Board, making it difficult for Pakistan to pay its players or fix its stadiums.