‘Pakistan cricketers retire, then return four days later’ – Former World Cup winners predict U-turn from PCB amid boycott row

Former India all-rounder Madan Lal has blasted Pakistan Cricket Board for their decision of boycotting the high-voltage India clash at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 on February 15. 

The 74-year-old was critical of the decision, saying that India will not be affected by the decision, instead Pakistan and Bangladesh will face consequences for their actions. 

“I think the Pakistan government or PCB, they are all damaging their own cricket. It’s not going to solve their problems. Someone has to be there to think right. They are not thinking right at the moment. They want to support Bangladesh. You keep on supporting Bangladesh. That’s not our business. At the end of the day, Bangladesh is going to suffer, and Pakistan is going to suffer,” Lal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. 

He further added that countries like England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are the ones who bring crowds and sponsorships. 

“The main thing is New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia, they are the biggest countries for cricket, they’re going to get the crowds, they’re going to get all the sponsorship,” he concluded. 

On February 1, Pakistan Government confirmed that it is allowing their cricket team to participate in the World Cup but the team will not be taking the field against India.

Expect a U-turn from Pakistan: Sunil Gavaskar 

Sunil Gavaskar also shared his honest opinion regarding Pakistan’s participation. The former opener was clear in his reading, stating that one should expect a U-turn from Pakistan regarding their participation in the tournament. 

“I think in the next four or five days, when reactions start pouring in from across the world and even from their former players, there is a possibility that Pakistan will change their stance,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“What’s new in this? We all know Pakistan cricketers retire and then, four days later, take back their retirement, saying ‘our fans told us to play more’. This might happen again,” Gavaskar said.

The Pakistan team, led by Salman Ali Agha have recently whitewashed Australia ahead of the marquee event, and are included in Group A, along with India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia.