Pakistan has decided to boycott its cricket match against India in protest of Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup. The decision was announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who told his cabinet that politics should not interfere with sports and that Pakistan should stand firmly beside Bangladesh. He described the move as a well-considered and appropriate decision.

In response, Dr. Asif Nazrul, the interim government’s adviser on law, justice, parliamentary affairs, and sports in Bangladesh, publicly thanked Pakistan for its stance. He expressed his appreciation through a verified Facebook post on Thursday, acknowledging Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh following the controversial exclusion.

The development highlights a rare show of regional support in international cricket, with Pakistan aligning itself with Bangladesh’s position against perceived politicization in the sport.