T20 World Cup 2026: 'Pakistan will backtrack on India boycott stance in 4-5 days' - Former Indian spinner

The legendary Ravichandran Ashwin reckons that Pakistan will move away from their stance of boycotting their T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India within the next five days. Ashwin mentioned that the marquee fixture in the 20-team competition will eventually go ahead on February 15.

Ashwin believes that Pakistan not playing against India will be financially detrimental to the ICC, the member nations, and broadcasters. He also opined that the boycott could result in serious consequences for the Men in Green, including countries not giving NOC (No Objection Certificate) to their players to partake in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“100 per cent the match will happen. I think Pakistan will backtrack over the next four to five days. I want to see the encounter as well. They can face financial losses. The broadcasters will lose a lot of money, so there has to be a compromise. All the members will face losses, and they will say in the ICC meeting that because of Pakistan, we are facing these losses. In the PSL, the players might not be given the NOCs,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin also mentioned that refusing to play against a particular opposition "was not acceptable." He hopes to see Pakistan dropping their plan to boycott the marquee fixture.

“Pakistan and India will be playing at a neutral venue, so the issue of the venue is not there. To say that I will not play against a particular opponent is not acceptable. I hope better sense prevails and these matches take place,” Ashwin said.

I would not be surprised if they go the distance: Ashwin

Ashwin said that teams should not underestimate Pakistan, citing their recent form and the impressive 3-0 whitewash over Australia in a three-match T20I series at home recently.

“I would not be surprised if they go the distance. Pakistan’s biggest enemy is itself. It’s all about their mindset. If you tell them you can’t lose against India, then that would be a big problem,” Ashwin concluded.