New Delhi, Feb. 6 -- Pakistan will be in the spotlight more for its decision to boycott its marquee Twenty20 World Cup group-stage game against India rather than how well the team performs starting on Saturday.

The Pakistan government instructed the national team to boycott its Feb. 15 Group A game against its sporting and political archrival, a decision that shook the cricket world. It was announced moments after Pakistan swept title contender Australia 3-0 at Lahore in its final preparation for the tournament.

"It's not our decision, we can't do anything," Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said in reference to Pakistan's boycott. "We will do whatever our government and the chairman (of the Pakistan Cricket Board) tell us."

Pakistan Pr...