Aakash Chopra Slams Pakistan’s “Hypocrisy” as World Cup Boycott Chaos Erupts

MUMBAI — The countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 opener just went nuclear. With only five days left before the marquee clash at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Pakistan government has thrown a wrench in the works, forbidding the Men in Green from facing India on February 7.

But former India opener Aakash Chopra isn’t buying the moral high ground. Minutes after the boycott news broke, Chopra took to X (formerly Twitter) to expose what he calls blatant “hypocrisy,” pointing out a massive hole in Pakistan’s logic: their U19 team played India literally the same day.

“Hypocrisy Ki Spelling Sahi Hai?”

The timing couldn’t have been worse for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). On Sunday, while government officials were drafting statements to boycott the senior team’s match in Colombo, the Pakistan U19 squad was busy getting dismantled by India U19 in Bulawayo.

Chopra didn’t miss the beat. He fired off a post that instantly went viral:

“Pakistan deciding not to play against India in an ICC event ON the day Pakistan played against India in an ICC event. HYPOCRISY ki spelling sahi hai? Aaj hi toh khele. Pakistan’s Under-19 Team is a Pakistani team? Denouncing your own kids just because they lost? That’s shameful behaviour.” — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)

The commentator’s point is sharp. If security or ideology prevents the senior team from taking the field in Sri Lanka, why were the teenagers cleared to play a full 50-over contest in Zimbabwe mere hours earlier?

U19 Recap: The 58-Run Reality Check

While the politicians argued, the cricket spoke for itself at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The “Boycott” narrative conveniently surfaced only after the India U19 colts handed their arch-rivals a crushing defeat.

• The Target: India U19 posted a competitive 253.
• The Collapse: The Men in Green were bundled out for just 194.
• The Result: India won by 58 runs, knocking Pakistan out of the tournament.

When a fan on X tried to downplay the U19 loss as irrelevant, Chopra doubled down with a stinging retort that hinted the boycott might just be a cover for fear of another defeat.

“Mat bhejte team phir. Haar gaye toh Angoor Khatte hain…” (Don’t send the team then. The grapes are sour because you lost.) — Aakash Chopra

What This Means for February 7

The T20 World Cup schedule is now in jeopardy. As it stands, India is training to face the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before flying to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan is set to open against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

If Pakistan follows through on the threat to skip the February 7 showdown at R. Premadasa Stadium, they risk heavy sanctions from the ICC, including a potential ban or massive financial penalties. For fans who bought tickets to the biggest group-stage game of 2026, the uncertainty is agonizing. But for Chopra, the verdict is already in: you can’t play the game only when it suits you.

Up Next

While the PCB scrambles for a solution, the India U19 team is moving on. They face Afghanistan in the semifinal at the Harare Sports Club this Wednesday, February 4. As for the senior squad? They are waiting to see if their opponents will actually show up in Colombo.