Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has reiterated that the national team has no authority over the proposed India–Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stressing that the matter rests entirely with the government.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Agha maintained his earlier position that Pakistan will comply with official directives regarding the high-profile fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Despite repeated questions, the captain made it clear that the players’ focus must remain on the matches they are set to play.
“The India game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision,” Agha said. “If we meet them later in the semi-final or final, we will again seek guidance and act on whatever advice we are given. We respect that decision completely.”
Pakistan are set to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands, followed by a match against the United States on February 10. If the India fixture does not take place, Pakistan will face an extended break before their next group match against Namibia.
Agha urged the media to shift attention away from speculation surrounding the India match and instead focus on Pakistan’s immediate challenges.
“We are playing three other games, and we are very excited about those,” he said. “The loss to the USA in the previous World Cup is in the past. This is a new tournament, a new squad, and a new combination.”
Pakistan will be particularly cautious against the USA, who caused a major upset by defeating them in the last T20 World Cup. The team enters the tournament in strong form, having recently completed a 3–0 T20 series win over Australia at home.
The 2026 tournament also marks Agha’s first World Cup as Pakistan captain, following the team’s decision to move on from Babar Azam, who led the side in the last three editions.
“It’s my first World Cup as captain, and I’m really excited,” Agha said. “I want to lead from the front, support my players, and create an environment where everyone can perform at their best.”
Pakistan will be aiming to improve on their semi-final finish from the 2021 edition as they begin their World Cup journey.
