“Asif Nazrul Thanks Pakistan for Boycotting Match Against India”


Published: 12:31 5 February 2026
Pakistan has decided to boycott its match against India in the T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh. On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the country will not play against India, stating that politics should not influence the playing field and that standing with Bangladesh is a moral responsibility.
Thanking Pakistan for this decision, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Ministry Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul posted on Facebook on Thursday, “Thank you, Pakistan.” He also shared two important quotes from the Pakistani Prime Minister highlighting their stance.
Sharif further criticized India’s cricket policies as unacceptable, saying Pakistan’s boycott is a protest against Bangladesh being excluded from the tournament. He emphasized, “We fully support Bangladesh. This is a proper and just decision.”
Earlier, Bangladesh had refused to send its cricket team to India citing security concerns and had proposed Sri Lanka as a neutral venue. However, the proposal was rejected due to lack of support in the ICC board meeting. Eventually, Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the tournament, with Pakistan supporting Bangladesh’s inclusion during the board discussions.
Through this boycott, Pakistan has once again shown its support for Bangladesh in the tournament. Cricket observers see the move as a significant signal reflecting both sporting and political ties between the countries.
Advertisement
Most Readed - Sports
- How long will it take to repatriate former IGP Benazir Ahmed?
- Facebook profile was red-faced on Tarique Rahman's advice, claims Chhatra Dal leader
- Venues for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup finalized, 12 stadiums in three countries to host the world stage
- Saudi Arabia's new maritime alliance with 14 countries, including Bangladesh, to protect waterways
- Rainfall intensity may increase again, threat of heavy rainfall in several areas
- Insults against the Prime Minister's family: Dr. Murad ordered to appear in court
- Fans want to see me single, not with a man: Parimani
- BNP is making defeated leaders the heads of the districts: Rumin Farhana
- Carlo Ancelotti trusts in youth to build a new Brazil
- India sends huge arms to Israel amid military operation in Gaza: Amnesty report
- 'Ashes' takes charge of blind young man's treatment
- Timor-Leste president sees Messi lose, predicts bold Cape Verde win
- Sarjis Alam warns of strict resistance if there are irregularities in vote counting
- Criticism of Fazlur Rahman's statement on July Uprising
- Supercomputer predicts France close to winning the World Cup
- Mandatory 'Bangla QR' from today, all digital payments in one code
- US official's comments on Iran's World Cup exit spark fresh controversy
- Fishing vessel explodes in Karnaphuli, two sailors die on way to Dhaka
- Political crisis may worsen if referendum verdict is not implemented: Golam Parwar
- Patient's severed leg missing from operation theatre at Kushtia Hospital




