India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: India head coach Gautam Gambhir sidestepped questions on Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 match.

As he departed for Mumbai, where India faces South Africa in a warm-up game, Gambhir avoided commenting on the sensitive issue, merely thanking reporters for their wishes.

As reporters pressed him on Pakistan's decision, Gambhir kept a studied silence, walking away without comment.

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Pakistan's government on Sunday approved its cricket team's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, but with a condition - they won't play against India on February 15.

In an X post on Sunday, the Government of Pakistan said, "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India."

The ICC has expressed disappointment, stating that Pakistan's decision isn't in the best interest of the global game.

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"While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule," the statement by ICC read.

"While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan. The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of," the release said.