Harbhajan’s ‘begani shadi…’ dig at Pakistan’s T20 WC boycott

February 2, 2026

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh took a sharp dig at the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott its Group A match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, calling it unnecessary drama and illogical. He used the Hindi phrase “Begani shadi mein Abdulla diwana,” implying Pakistan was acting irrationally in a situation that didn’t concern it directly.

Context: Pakistan’s Selective Participation

Pakistan’s government recently confirmed that its team would participate in the T20 World Cup but not play the February 15 match against India, in protest against the ICC’s handling of venue and scheduling issues involving Bangladesh’s fixtures. Critics say the stance undermines the spirit of competition.

Harbhajan’s Criticism on Fair Play

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan questioned Pakistan’s logic behind distancing itself from the India clash, even while playing other matches and enjoying tournament benefits. He suggested that the boycott move appears like a show to mislead people and project solidarity with Bangladesh, despite Pakistan having no direct stake in that dispute.

Double Standards and Cricket Politics

Harbhajan also highlighted what he characterized as double standards in Pakistan’s approach, noting that cricket decisions in the past such as Asia Cup matches were driven by financial interests rather than principles, leading to inconsistent stances on India clashes.

Impact on T20 WC and ICC Relations

The anticipated India‑Pakistan match is one of the most watched fixtures in cricket globally, and its cancellation could affect fan engagement and commercial appeal. The ICC has warned that a boycott may have long‑term consequences for Pakistan’s participation in international cricket.

Wider Reactions in Cricket Community

Other former cricket figures have echoed strong opinions on the boycott issue, with some suggesting Pakistan might reverse its decision, while others underline cricket’s role as a unifying sport and urge rational dialogue.