The cricket world buzzes with Pakistan’s boycott U-turn for the 2026 T20 World Cup opener against India on February 15. ICC-brokered talks flipped PCB’s stance, prompting former spinner Danish Kaneria to roast his nation mercilessly as ultimate flip-floppers.
Kaneria told IANS: ‘Specialists abound in cricket – batters, bowlers. Pakistan? U-turn pros.’ His prophecy of drama culminating in reversal rang true.
‘Decisions have limits. Best U-turn I’ve witnessed. Global ridicule: say one thing, do another. Baseless boycott call baffled all,’ he said.
He dismissed Bangladesh linkage: ‘Zero PCB support from them. PCB-ICC affair only. Grand boycott talk, then why play? Abrupt force?’
‘Commit or quit the drama. U-turns fuel media storms, risking long-term pain. Comedic now; isolation fears prevailed: “Fine, we play.”‘
Pakistan sought India series in ICC huddle, but ban threats, cash crunches, PSL NOC blocks cornered them.
Psychologically, Kaneria warned: ‘No-contest prep to high-stakes suddenly pressures both. Politics-cricket fusion stresses stars. Shaheen vs Abhishek billed as clash of titans. India’s wins softened feud, but self-inflicted revival amps Pakistan tension.’
‘Mental reset doubles workload, invites on-pitch sparks. Better pressure handlers triumph,’ he concluded.