New Delhi

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday said Pakistan’s decision to boycott its group-stage T20 World Cup match against India was “a slap on the face” of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the BCCI.

Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi said Pakistan had taken a firm stance despite potential fines, while India “was found wanting” in responding to the situation. “They are willing to pay a penalty, take on consequences, yet India could not assert itself when it should have,” she said.

Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai called it “a mistake” to give Pakistan the opportunity to turn down the match, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said India should not play against a country that “nurtures terrorists.”

The Pakistan government, in a post on X, stated that while it had approved participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the team “shall not take the field” against India on February 15. No reason was provided for the decision.

The ICC said selective participation undermines the integrity of global sporting events and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to explore a mutually acceptable solution.

The boycott follows a similar incident last month when Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the tournament, leading to Scotland replacing them.

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India, the defending champions, are in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.