Pakistan will not face India at T20 World Cup, PM tells cabinet

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan would not play any match against India in the T20 World Cup, calling the decision well-considered and stressing that politics should not interfere in sports.

Speaking during a federal cabinet meeting, Sharif said that Pakistan stood with Bangladesh and reiterated that sporting events should remain separate from political disputes.

“Pakistan will not play India in the T20 World Cup. This decision has been taken after careful thought,” he said.

The prime minister also addressed security developments in Balochistan, saying militants had carried out an attack and that Pakistan’s armed forces responded strongly.

Sharif said security forces killed 180 militants in the operation, adding that such groups were obstacles to Pakistan’s development.

“We will defeat all conspiracies of the eastern neighbour and militants,” he said.

Sharif also commented on tensions in Iran, saying Pakistan had played a “brotherly role” in supporting its neighbour.

He further spoke about cooperation with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government, saying he had assured the chief minister of federal support regardless of political affiliation.

Sharif noted that funds had been allocated to the province under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, but questioned why a Safe City project had not yet been completed despite the release of significant resources.

The cabinet meeting began with prayers for those killed in recent violence in Balochistan and for the speedy recovery of the wounded.