ICC warns Pakistan of long-term implications over boycotting T20 WC clash vs India
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed serious concerns over the Pakistan government’s decision to instruct its cricket team to boycott its fixture against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, calling the move contrary to the principles of global sporting competition.
In an official statement, the ICC acknowledged the position taken by the government of Pakistan but stated that it is still awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the matter. The world governing body emphasised that its stance of selective participation in the tournament is difficult to reconcile.
The Pakistan government has granted permission for its national team to participate in the tournament, but has instructed them not to take the field for their group-stage clash against India. India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” said ICC in a statement.
While acknowledging and respecting the role of governments in matters of national policy, the ICC stressed that the decision is not in the best interests of the global game or the welfare of cricket fans worldwide, including the millions of supporters in Pakistan.
ICC to impose strong sanctions on Pakistan
The governing body further urged the PCB to carefully consider the significant and long-term implications of the situation for cricket within the country. The ICC noted that the matter could have a broader impact on the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both a member and a beneficiary.
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan. The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” the statement added.
The India–Pakistan clash remains the most lucrative fixture in global cricket. To capitalise on that appeal, the ICC have placed the two teams in the same group at every major tournament since 2012, even as worsening diplomatic relations have ruled out bilateral cricket for the last 14 years.
If Pakistan maintain their stance, the T20 World Cup 2026 will become the first men’s ICC tournament since 2010 not to feature an India–Pakistan match. ICC may consider imposing sanctions on Pakistan following recent developments, sources told India Today. These could include restrictions on overseas players receiving NOCs to participate in the PSL, resulting in major revenue loss. Pakistan may also risk losing ICC tournament hosting rights if the matter escalates.
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