India, Feb. 3 -- Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has publicly supported Pakistan's decision to not play the marquee group match against India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, framing the move as a stand of principle in what he described as a politicised and unfair sporting environment.

In a post on X, Yousuf called Pakistan vs India "one of the greatest sporting events in the world" but argued it continues to suffer from political interference that "damages the spirit and pride of the game". He added that, in an unfair environment, refusing to play can become an act of principle - an "eye-for-an-eye" response, in his words, to protect the integrity of sport.

Pakistan are scheduled to face India on February 15 in Colombo. The ...