Sourav Ganguly has expressed clear surprise over Pakistan’s decision to potentially forfeit crucial points by not taking the field against India at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The high-voltage Group A clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, but Pakistan’s government has reportedly indicated that while the team will participate in the tournament, they will not play the match against India.

The development has triggered concern within the cricketing community, given the sporting and commercial significance of the fixture. Speaking at an event on Sunday, Ganguly underlined how costly such a decision could be in a tightly contested World Cup format.

“I’m really surprised with Pakistan backing out of the World Cup. You come to a World Cup to win it, and every point is important,” Sourav Ganguly said.

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He further stressed that dropping points voluntarily can have a decisive impact on qualification scenarios. “You can’t lose points in a World Cup, so I’m a little surprised – but that’s the decision they’re taking,” the former India captain added.

With uncertainty continuing to loom over the marquee clash, the International Cricket Council has stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating further. The ICC has reportedly warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of potential long-term consequences if the proposed boycott proceeds. The world governing body is keen to ensure that the India vs Pakistan match is played as scheduled.

On Sunday, ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The meeting is seen as a key step in resolving the deadlock surrounding the high-profile encounter.

Khwaja, an influential ICC board member representing Singapore, has been nominated as a mediator to facilitate dialogue between the concerned parties.

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A source close to the PCB confirmed the development, stating that Khwaja has been in constant communication with the board and is leading efforts to find common ground. Following the in-person discussions, further virtual meetings with ICC governing members are expected, as the cricketing world waits for clarity on one of the most anticipated matches of the T20 World Cup 2026.