Pakistan’s Captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his gratitude toward Bangladeshi fans for their support, despite Bangladesh not participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “They are our brothers. Thank you very much for supporting us. I hope they continue cheering for us during the tournament as well. It’s really sad to see them not playing in the World Cup, but their encouragement means a lot to our team.”
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A day earlier – while addressing the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that, “We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India. There should be no politics in sports. We have carefully deliberated and made the appropriate decision.” He also highlighted that Pakistan supports Bangladesh and encouraged unity among neighboring cricket fans.
The announcement comes as the T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on February 7, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
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Pakistan is expected to compete in other fixtures while skipping the match against India. The team’s decision is likely to influence discussions among fans and cricket analysts worldwide, highlighting the intersection of sports and diplomatic sensitivities in South Asia.
Cricket experts note that while Pakistan’s move may disappoint fans eager for a high-profile India-Pakistan clash, the team remains focused on performing well in the tournament.
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Pakistan’s stance reflects the government’s broader approach to sports diplomacy, prioritizing regional relationships and respecting the sensitivities surrounding international fixtures.
As the T20 World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s matches and the support of fans from across the subcontinent.
Where to watch T20 World Cup 2026 Live
Tapmad will stream the T20 World Cup 2026, allowing cricket fans to watch all the live action through its website and mobile application.
