Politics leave Pakistan walking on thin ice at T20 World Cup

In the summer of 2024, Pakistan gave one of their worst performances in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup when they fell at the first hurdle following a humiliating loss against underdogs USA.

Pakistan seem to be facing yet another embarrassingly early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins tomorrow, due a lethal mix of politics and threatening weather conditions.

The tournament has been overshadowed by an acrimonious political build-up as Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland and Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A fixture over the “double standards” of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Pakistan’s decision to forfeit their February 15 group game against old rivals India means a loss of two points and a major dent in their net run-rate, something that could decide their T20 World Cup fate in the coming days.

Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t have caused them any sleepless nights but threats of wet weather conditions in their remaining groups games against the Netherlands on Saturday and USA and Namibia put them in clear danger of missing out on the knockout stages. A washout or two could result in their elimination from the event.

‘We need to be cautious’

Ask Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan captain, and he will tell you that his team was well aware of the fact that it can’t afford any glitches.

Agha told reporters in Colombo on Friday that Pakistan will need to bring the sort of A-game that helped them whitewash Australia 3-0 in a recent T20I series back home.

"We need to be cautious and bring our A-game," Agha said, admitting Pakistan have limited experience of the Netherlands and "don't know many" of their players.

"We intend to unleash all our spin options because we feel they are vulnerable against quality spin," he said.

The 2009 champions will lean heavily on their explosive opening pair Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, with Agha slated for number three.

Former skipper Babar Azam -- who has struggled for form -- slots in at number four.

"Babar has been working overtime on his game. He's a key player in these conditions and can change a match in a few overs. We depend on him heavily," Agha said.

Pakistan are on a high after a 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home.

The team will seek advice from their government if they reach the knockout phase and meet arch-rivals India.

(with inputs from agencies)