Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider removing Pakistan from the T20 World Cup 2026 if they follow through with their boycott of the Group A clash against India, scheduled in Colombo on February 15. Pakistan’s latest government directives make it increasingly likely that the team will skip the fixture, which would automatically award India two points and register a defeat for Pakistan, with negative implications for their net run rate.

Speaking to NDTV Sports, Wassan expressed both surprise and concern over Pakistan’s approach. “I feel a little sorry for them, and I’m also a little surprised. What do they want? As they say, ‘When destruction is imminent, wisdom fails.’ Because if Pakistan doesn’t play this match and concede the points, and then meet India later, will they still not play? ICC will have no option but to take action. This is close to blackmail… They don’t realise the financial loss will be significant,” he said.

Atul Wassan also noted that the boycott could paradoxically be a relief for Pakistan’s players, given their historically poor record against India in World Cups. India has dominated this rivalry, winning 15 of 16 encounters in ODIs and T20 World Cups, including seven of eight T20 matches.

“They are trying to find every possible way to spite India… They don’t understand they’re heading towards ruin. Maybe the Pakistani players will relax, because they know they’re going to lose anyway, so the humiliation will be less,” he added.

Group A also features Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. India enters the tournament as defending champions, while Pakistan is still recovering from a disappointing first-round exit at the previous T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies two years ago.

With the boycott looming, ICC officials and broadcasters are bracing for both logistical and commercial fallout, making Pakistan’s decision one of the most contentious developments ahead of the 2026 edition.

Wassan’s statements underline the wider debate about governance, player morale, and the financial and sporting impact of political decisions on one of cricket’s most high-profile rivalries.