Former England cricketer Mark Butcher praised Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup group match against India, calling it a bold and well-executed move that puts pressure on both India and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Commenting on the situation, Butcher said Pakistan had “pulled kind of a blinder” by using the only leverage available to them against India and the ICC.
Mark Butcher said that India vs. Pakistan matches are the most financially lucrative fixtures in world cricket, which is why the ICC consistently places the two teams in the same group. According to him, this arrangement is a fixed formula driven by revenue, while all other teams are handled under standard rules.
“Pakistan have pulled kind of a blinder.” – Mark Butcher highlighting India’s inconsistency and power abuse in world cricket. pic.twitter.com/UUCAZnIssT
— Hassan 🍁 (@Gotoxytop2) February 4, 2026
Butcher pointed out that special arrangements are often made for India. He cited the Champions Trophy as an example, where India refused to travel to Pakistan and instead played their matches in Dubai. He said India is able to choose where it wants to play, while other teams are expected to adjust.
He further said ICC had allowed India to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai but that the same courtesy was not extended to Bangladesh, which Pakistan has now used as part of its justification for the boycott.
He added that Pakistan’s refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup is a direct response to that decision. According to Butcher, Pakistan has now said, “If you won’t come to us, we won’t play against you.”
It is worth noting that the Government of Pakistan announced on Sunday, February 15, that the national team would not play against India in the T20 World Cup.
Following Pakistan’s refusal to play the group-stage match, reports say the ICC has been left concerned by the potential financial and logistical fallout.
