Team Will Seek Govt Advice in Potential Pak-India T20 Final Clash: Agha

Pakistan Captain Terms Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Absence Disappointing

Pakistan Open T20 World Cup Campaign vs Netherlands on February 7

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the team would consult the government if they face a potential India clash in the knockout stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as Pakistan opens its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.

The tournament has been overshadowed by a bitter political backdrop after Bangladesh were excluded, while Pakistan refused to play co-hosts India in their Group A fixture. However, a high-stakes semi-final or final clash between the arch-rivals remains a distinct possibility.

"The India game is not in our control. It was the government's decision, and if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we will go back to them and act on their advice," Agha told reporters at the captains' press conference here on Thursday.

Agha said the team aims to play positive cricket throughout the tournament and is not focusing on matters beyond its control. His remarks came after the government’s decision to boycott Pakistan’s match against India, scheduled for February 15, at the mega event.

Pakistan had decided to boycott the February 15 match against arch-rivals India to show solidarity with Bangladesh, which the International Cricket Council (ICC) kicked out of the tournament after rejecting Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to move their matches to a venue outside India.

The Pakistani captain also expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's absence from the World Cup and said, "It is unfortunate that the Bangladesh team is not playing in the World Cup."

"It's sad Bangladesh are not here. They have a very good side. Hopefully they will support us," he added. He expressed excitement about leading Pakistan in his first World Cup as captain, hoping the team would deliver strong performances under his leadership.

He stated that the team has been playing good cricket over the past six months and has shown positive momentum since the Asia Cup. "We've been playing really good cricket. We haven´t lost a series since the Asia Cup last year. Everything is coming along nicely and we´re confident of doing well," Agha said.

The Pakistan cricket captain said no team can be taken lightly in a World Cup, adding that Pakistan is preparing seriously for its upcoming match against the Netherlands.

He also praised Sri Lanka’s hospitality, calling it his “second home” and appreciating the warmth of its people.

Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, which will also host their group-stage matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

The Green Shirts were scheduled to face arch-rivals India at the R Premadasa Stadium on February 15.