In a stunning turnaround, Pakistan has reversed its decision to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup match against India scheduled for February 15. After ICC mediation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to face off against their arch-rivals. This flip-flop has drawn sharp ridicule from former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria, who branded his own nation as ‘U-turn specialists’ in cricket.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Kaneria didn’t hold back. ‘In cricket, we have spin specialists and batting specialists. Pakistan? They’re U-turn specialists,’ he quipped. He had predicted this drama wouldn’t end without a reversal, and sure enough, it unfolded exactly as he foresaw.
‘There’s a limit to everything,’ Kaneria continued. ‘I’ve never seen anyone master the U-turn like them. The world is laughing at Pakistan – one moment they say one thing, the next they’re completely opposite. Announcing a boycott out of the blue made no sense.’
Kaneria questioned the logic of linking the boycott to Bangladesh issues. ‘What has Bangladesh ever done for Pakistan cricket? That was a PCB-ICC matter. If you make such bold statements, why backtrack now? What suddenly forced you to play?’
He emphasized sticking to decisions. ‘If you take a stand, stay firm. Sudden U-turns and media circus only worsen things. This could haunt them in the future. Right now, the whole situation feels comical. They feared isolation or tournament exclusion, so they caved: “Okay, we’ll play.”
Pressure mounted during ICC meetings where Pakistan pushed for bilateral series with India. But threats of bans, financial losses, and PSL player NOC issues left PCB on the backfoot.
Kaneria highlighted the psychological toll. Teams mentally prepped for no contest suddenly face the biggest showdown. ‘Politics and cricket are intertwined now. Players feel the heat. Hype around Shaheen vs Abhishek is building like a war. Pakistan’s poor form and India’s dominance had cooled old rivalries, but this U-turn reignited it, pressuring their own side.’
Both teams now scramble with doubled prep and stress. ‘Expect heated exchanges on the field. The team handling pressure better wins,’ he predicted.