Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes Pakistan is boycotting the match against India out of fear. Badrinath reckons the Men in Green are fearing to face the potent Indian batting order. The Pakistan government on Sunday announced that the team will not take the field against India on February 15, though they will travel to Sri Lanka for other matches.

The Pakistan government post read as, “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”

India and Pakistan haven’t played against each other in a bilateral series in the last 14 years due to political tensions between the two countries. The relationship took another huge dip after the Pehalgam terrorist attack in 2025.

“Fear of facing this Indian batting order?” Badrinath posted on X.

Meanwhile, India’s batting order were at their absolute best against New Zealand in the recently concluded series, which the hosts won by 4-1. The home team posted 238 runs on the board in the opening game of the series after Abhishek Sharma scored a blistering knock of 84 runs off just 35 balls.

Subsequently, Suryakumar Yadav’s team posted 271 runs on the board after Ishan Kishan scored a whirlwind knock of 103 runs off just 43 balls. Thus, India’s batting order has been in splendid form, barring Sanju Samson.

Earlier in 2025, India defeated Pakistan in all three matches of the Asia Cup, including the summit clash.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7.