The International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned Pakistan against the idea of boycotting their T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for 15 February. Soon after the Government of Pakistan announced that its team would participate in the tournament but not take the field against India, the ICC issued an official release, reminding the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of the significant and long-term implications.
The Pakistan Government’s decision to skip the India game comes on the heels of their Under-19 team’s loss to India at the ongoing ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup. Although the PCB is likely to follow the government’s decision, the ICC is awaiting official confirmation from the Pakistan board.
“The ICC notes the statement made by the Government of Pakistan regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the ICC statement said. “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 as per the event schedule.
“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
“While the ICC respects the role 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.”
In the media release, the ICC reminded the PCB of its duties as a full member and advised it to resolve the matter internally.
“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, of which it is itself a member and beneficiary. The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders,” the ICC release stated.
As things stand, the ICC is awaiting an official word from the PCB.
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