Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria said that Pakistan’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India will harm their cricket more than others.

The bowler, who took 1024 first-class wickets for Pakistan, hailed the Indian team as one of the contenders to win the tournament. Kaneria commented that the way Team India defeated New Zealand in the recent Twenty20 series has spread fear in every team in the world.

He further said that Pakistan’s decision is sending a wrong message, making it seem as if Pakistan is afraid to face India, hence they are refusing to play.

The Pakistan government on Sunday approved the participation of the Pakistan cricket team in the ICC World T20 2026, but they will not play against India on February 15.

Kanaria said, “Pakistan had earlier requested not to come and play in India, and that request was accepted. So their matches are scheduled at neutral venues. The India-Pakistan match in this World Cup was supposed to be played in Sri Lanka. There is no justification for boycotting this match. Pakistan feels they are supporting Bangladesh, who are already out of the tournament. But they should focus on their own cricket and its future. This decision sends a message that people will think—Pakistan is afraid to face India, so they Refusing to play.”

“This decision has made it more difficult for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals or the knockout stage. I think it is a very wrong decision. If Pakistan thinks India-Pakistan matches are the most profitable, then that rivalry is no more. Because Pakistan cricket is not playing the same quality brand of cricket that India is playing. Be it T20 World Cup or 50-over World Cup—India has beaten Pakistan at every stage of every World Cup.” He said.

On the possibility that Pakistan might have to play India in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, Kaneria said,
“The consequences of such a decision could be long-term, the PCB did not think about it. Especially Bangladesh did not keep it in mind. It is not right to take decisions on impulse, without thinking. Decisions should always be taken with wisdom and thought. You did not play the first match, but if we have to face India tomorrow in the semi-final or the final, will the trophy still say that we will not play the final?”