The India-Pakistan rivalry is the biggest in cricket. However, there’s fire even before the action has begun on the field. Pakistan’s decision to boycott the February 15 clash against India at the T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered anger, confusion and disbelief across the cricketing world. And now, one of the loudest reactions has come from Kapil Dev, who believes the move has nothing to do with India and everything to do with Pakistan damaging its own future.
Pakistan confirmed on Sunday that while they will participate in the T20 World Cup, they will forfeit the February 15 match against India in Colombo. The decision, taken after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift matches out of India, has created debate across the cricketing world, with broadcasters, the ICC, and former players all questioning the long-term impact.
Kapil Dev: “You are killing the generation”
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Kapil Dev did not mince words while assessing Pakistan’s stand. The former World Cup-winning captain stressed that the issue goes beyond politics and optics and directly affects the careers of young cricketers.
“If the decision was taken by the players, they can come out and say. However, if the board says that you will not play, the reputation of the country comes down,” Kapil Dev said.
He went further, warning that repeated withdrawals and boycotts would eventually isolate Pakistan cricket. “It is not looking bright for Pakistan. You are killing the generation. Pakistan have given us fantastic talents over the years. But if you will not allow these boys to play in the World Cup, you are killing the generation and hurting the game. You are being unfair to your own players,” he added.
Kapil also dismissed the idea that India or fans would suffer in the long run if the match does not take place. “The emotions and spectators will be impacted. But, in the long run, no one will miss them. People will not think about it for a long time and they will ultimately move on,” he concluded.
ICC’s financial headache and Pakistan’s risky gamble
The boycott has left the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an uncomfortable position. India vs Pakistan fixtures are the commercial backbone of ICC events, often accounting for a majority chunk of broadcast revenue. According to industry estimates, over 40 percent of the current ICC broadcast cycle value is driven by these clashes.
Each India-Pakistan game in recent ICC tournaments has been valued at roughly USD 250 million (INR 2289 crore), and the cancellation of the T20 World Cup fixture could force broadcasters to seek compensation or renegotiate rights. Any such fallout would impact all member nations, not just Pakistan. There is a threat that the ICC possesses some serious implications for Pakistan now just to set a precedent.
