LAHORE, Pakistan, Feb 4, (V7N) — Pakistan head into the T20 World Cup in strong form, buoyed by a spin-heavy squad and recent series victories, but a controversial decision to forfeit their high-profile group match against India could jeopardize their chances of advancing beyond the early stages.

Pakistan had initially considered withdrawing from the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, who pulled out after refusing to play in India over security concerns. Although the Pakistan government later cleared the team’s participation, it barred them from facing India in their marquee Group A clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Under tournament rules, a forfeited match yields no points, leaving Pakistan with no margin for error in a five-team group where only the top two advance. To stay in contention, Pakistan must win their opening match against the Netherlands in Colombo on Saturday and defeat the United States three days later. Their final group fixture is against Namibia on February 18.

Captain Salman Agha said the decision to boycott the India match was beyond the players’ control.

“That is not our decision. We have to follow what our government decides,” he said.

The government has not clarified its position should Pakistan potentially face India again in the semi-finals or final, but Agha said the team was focused solely on performance.

“Our job is to win, and we are capable of doing that,” he added.

Pakistan will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where a shock Super Over defeat to co-hosts the United States led to a premature group-stage exit.

The team has faced criticism in recent years for failing to adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket, particularly regarding batting approach. Former captain Babar Azam’s low strike rate has been scrutinized, alongside Pakistan’s record in 2025, when 21 of their 34 T20 international wins came against lower-ranked opponents.

Results against stronger sides were less encouraging, including three defeats to India in the Asia Cup and a 4–1 series loss to New Zealand.

However, Agha believes recent performances have restored confidence. Pakistan defeated South Africa 2–1, won a home tri-series, and then completed a 3–0 clean sweep of an under-strength Australia.

“We’ve had good preparation by beating Australia,” Agha said. “We have the luxury of quality spin all-rounders like Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub. We’re ticking most boxes and believe we can win the World Cup.”

Pakistan’s spin attack has been further strengthened by Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, the latter noted for his unusual slingy action and pronounced pause at the crease. The pace unit is led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, with Faheem Ashraf providing all-round support and newcomer Salman Mirza also making an impression.

Batting remains the most unpredictable aspect of Pakistan’s game. When openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provide solid starts, the team can post competitive totals, but collapses continue to pose a risk.

Head coach Mike Hesson has added another layer of uncertainty by leaving out experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan due to poor form, opting instead for makeshift options in Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay and Farhan.

With several key elements in place, Pakistan appear capable of making a deep run, but the forfeiture of crucial points leaves them with little room for error.

END/WSP/RH