, Feb. 2 -- Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Madan Lal have strongly criticised Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, warning that the move will ultimately cause more harm to Pakistan cricket than to the tournament organisers.

The reaction comes a day after the Pakistan government confirmed the team would participate in the World Cup but would refuse to take the field against India on February 15 in solidarity with Bangladesh.

Speaking to a news agency, 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal termed the decision self-destructive.

"I think the Pakistan government and the PCB are harming their own cricket," Lal said. "They want to support Bangladesh, which is their prerogative, but in the en...