Mitchell Marsh gives reality check on the drama of Pakistan and Bangladesh 2026 T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s stance of not participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup against India has shocked the entire cricketing world. Pakistan is scheduled to face India on February 15 in Colombo. But there is uncertainty surrounding the match as the Pakistani government has decided to boycott the high-profile tournament.

A Pakistani journalist asked Australia T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh a few questions in an attempt to gain some attention – one related to Pakistan’s boycott call and the other to Bangladesh. On both occasions, Marsh provided virtually identical responses to Pakistani journalists.

Pakistan to boycott 2026 T20 World Cup match against India

On February 1, Australia faced the home team Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This was the third game of the three-match T20I series. At the end of the match, the Pakistan government announced its decision on the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match.

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It was announced through a social media post that the Pakistan government has decided not to play the match against India on February 15 but will participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Mitchell Marsh shows mirror to Pakistani journalists

When Mitchell Marsh attended the post-match press conference after the Pakistan-Australia match in Lahore, a Pakistani journalist asked him a few questions. To be sure, the Australian skipper’s answer wasn’t enough to keep reporters happy.

“Just found out about the Pakistan-India match on February 15th. You know, Pakistan will boycott the Pakistan-India match. So, if you want to add something to that, your perspective,” the reporter posed the question to Mitchell Marsh.

In his reply, the cricketer said that their focus is entirely on the 2026 T20 World Cup and not on any other topic. He therefore did not make any specific comments about Pakistan.

“Yeah, I really don’t have anything to comment on that right now. You know, we go to the World Cup and just focus on what we’re doing and we’ll let those things happen naturally,” Mitchell Marsh replied.

Security Question

The second question in the report is, “For security reasons, Bangladesh, a full member of the ICC, will not participate in this World Cup. As a player, what do you think about the non-participation of this World Cup as a full member of the ICC?”

Mitchell Marsh’s response was almost similar. But this time, he added, they trusted the safety protocols.

“Yeah, I think my previous answer is true as well, we go to the World Cup to try and win and we’re just focused on that. As an Australian team we trust those people who are there to keep us safe, that’s what I’m saying,” he replied.

Notably, Bangladesh is reluctant to travel to India due to security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board wants to hold the 2026 T20 World Cup outside India. But as Mitchell Marsh mentioned, “We trust those who are there to keep us safe, that’s what I’m saying”, reflecting the top-notch security arrangements likely to be in place for the teams in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Read more: Pakistan Super 8 qualifying situation explained after India boycotts 2026 T20 World Cup