As of February 4, 2026, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has maintained a strategic silence regarding the looming crisis between India and Pakistan ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. While departing from Delhi for Mumbai—where India is scheduled to play a warm-up match against South Africa—Gambhir politely acknowledged the media’s well-wishes but ignored all questions concerning Pakistan’s reported boycott.
The Crisis: Pakistan Government Refuses to Play India
The controversy erupted after the Government of Pakistan issued a directive permitting its team to participate in the T20 World Cup (being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka) but specifically barring them from taking the field against India.
Key Details of the Standoff
- The Match: The marquee clash is scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- The Boycott Decision: While the Pakistan team has arrived in Sri Lanka, the government’s stance remains firm that the team will not play against India, reportedly in response to India’s long-standing refusal to travel to Pakistan for bilateral series and the Champions Trophy.
- ICC’s Warning: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of “serious implications,” including financial penalties and the forfeiture of points, if they fail to honor the scheduled fixture.
- Technical Deadlock: Interestingly, the PCB has not yet formally communicated the boycott to the ICC in writing, leading to a state of high-stakes uncertainty just days before the tournament opener on February 7.
Gambhir’s Focused Approach
Gambhir, known for his outspoken nature during his playing days, appears to have adopted a “cricket-first” policy as head coach.
- Pre-match Ritual: Before leaving for Mumbai, Gambhir visited the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati to offer prayers, emphasizing his focus on the team’s mental and spiritual preparation.
- India’s Status: The Indian team is proceeding as per the ICC schedule. If Pakistan does not show up on February 15, India will likely be awarded two points via a forfeit, as per tournament regulations.