T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Let’s see if you really have the guts’ - Harbhajan Singh slams Pakistan over threat to boycott India match

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly criticised Pakistan over reports of a potential boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, calling the move unnecessary drama. Harbhajan challenged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistan government to stand by their decision if they have the guts.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in a high-profile Group A clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. While Pakistan has confirmed its participation in the ICC tournament, reports suggest the team may refuse to play against India, a stance announced by the Pakistan government.

Harbhajan dismissed the threat as attention-seeking and questioned the logic behind selectively participating in the event. The former cricketer also urged the authorities to consider the fans, stressing that millions of supporters across both nations eagerly wait for India-Pakistan encounters.

"What benefit are you going to get from this? This is just to show arrogance. If you really think that you can do something like this, then be adamant. Let's see if you really have the guts. This is a total drama created to mislead people into thinking that they are standing with Bangladesh. There's no problem with that, but what do you thought about the people of your country who want the India-Pakistan match to happen?,” said Harbhajan on YouTube channel.

Harbhajan further pointed out that Pakistan had not boycotted their matches against India during the Asia Cup 2025, despite heightened tensions between the two neighbouring nations. India were originally slated to host the continental tournament, but it was later shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Harbhajan noted that Pakistan went on to play those matches without hesitation, questioning the inconsistency in the current stance.

The former off-spinner also issued a strong warning, stating that refusing to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 could have long-term consequences for Pakistan cricket. He predicted that such a move might severely damage Pakistan’s chances of hosting ICC events in the future.

"This match was supposed to be played at a neutral venue, and there was no dispute with you. When there was a war recently, you played the Asia Cup despite that. There was drama about the trophy, but the matches did happen because you were not ready to leave that revenue. If you are such a patriot, where was your patriotism there? So, you didn't have any feelings for your country, but you now want to stand with some other country,” said Harbhajan.

"Just wait for the ICC to do justice. There is a possibility that you will face sanctions, fines, and maybe you won't get to host an ICC tournament ever again," he added.