Pakistan should be banned for refusing to play India in T20 World Cup: Anurag Thakur

Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president and BJP Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take firm action against Pakistan for refusing to play India in the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

While Pakistan have made it clear that they will not take the field against India, the Indian team is set to proceed as per schedule. This includes travelling to Colombo and participating in all standard pre-match formalities such as practice sessions and the mandatory press conference, while waiting for the match referee to make the final call.

Speaking on the issue, Thakur underlined India’s long-standing role in hosting major international tournaments and its contribution to global cricket, both financially and



administratively.

“The ICC should take a strong stance against them. India has provided excellent facilities in all the tournaments it has hosted,” Thakur said.

He also highlighted India’s central role in sustaining the sport worldwide. “India makes a significant contribution to the global cricket community, both financially and in terms of the sport itself,” he added.

Addressing Pakistan’s refusal to play, Thakur said the ICC must assert its authority and impose strict penalties on the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“If someone doesn’t want to come to India today, making excuses and playing politics, then a strong stance should be taken against them,” Thakur said.

“Their grants should be stopped, and they should be banned for a few years so that they cannot play against any other country,” he added.