‘Pakistan cannot challenge India’: Irfan Pathan weighs in on T20 World Cup match boycott row, predicts last-minute twist

Irfan Pathan made a huge prediction on the ongoing India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott row, but also had a warning for Salman Ali Agha's side.

Published on: Feb 6, 2026, 17:21:24 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Even though PCB still hasn't given an official confirmation to ICC, former cricketer Irfan Pathan feels that Pakistan might change its mind and make a 'U-turn' on its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. Both sides are scheduled to face each other on February 15 in Colombo, but Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, confirmed on Wednesday that the players will not take the field against India.

Irfan Pathan weighed in on the India vs Pakistan boycott drama.

According to reports, the ICC is hoping the PCB will backtrack amid the possibility of sanctions.

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‘It does not look like Pakistan can challenge India’: Irfan Pathan

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said, "In the group stages, you won't see any challenges. Pakistan has decided to boycott the match against India, but that U-turn can happen anytime now. Even if they make a U-turn, will they be able to give us a challenge?"

"If you look at the previous World Cup or previous matches between India and Pakistan, it does not look like Pakistan can challenge India. Not once or twice, India have beaten Pakistan thrice in the 2025 Asia Cup. India have total dominance over them," he added.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the team will travel to Colombo for the match, irrespective of Pakistan's decision.

According to reports, co-hosts Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote to the PCB, urging them to reconsider their controversial decision, which could have an adverse impact on tourism in the island nation. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Agha has said the team will abide by the government's directive.

"Yeah, the India game, it's not in our control. It's a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we do that. We're also playing three other games, and we are very excited about that. Yeah, we lost to the USA in the last World Cup, but that's history now. It's a new World Cup, a new team, and a new combination. And we are very excited for that," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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