Dhaka, Feb. 3 -- Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his full support for the government's decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the upcoming T20 World Cup, while issuing a stern challenge to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove its impartiality.

The Pakistan government confirmed on Sunday via social media that while the Men in Green will participate in the 2026 tournament, they will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15.

Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the standoff but stood firm with the national policy.

"I have always believed that cricket opens doors that politics closes. It is sad that Pakistan ...