ICC Cautions Pak Over Boycott Of India T20 Match
NEW DELHI – The International Cricket Council has cautioned Pakistan over its reported decision to selectively participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, warning that a boycott of its group stage match against India would undermine the integrity of the tournament and could have long term consequences for cricket in the country.
The ICC response followed a post by the Pakistan government on X stating that it had cleared the national team to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament but would not allow it to take the field against India in the February 15 Group A match at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. No reason was publicly given. The ICC said it is still awaiting official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
In a statement, the ICC said selective participation was incompatible with the basic premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete under a common schedule. It said ICC tournaments are founded on sporting integrity, competitiveness and fairness, and that boycotts undermine the spirit of international competition. While acknowledging the role of governments in national policy, the ICC said the decision was not in the interest of the global game or fans, including those in Pakistan, and urged the PCB to consider the wider and long term implications.
The governing body said its priority remains the smooth conduct of the tournament and expects all member boards, including the PCB, to work toward a mutually acceptable resolution that protects all stakeholders.
India and Pakistan matches typically generate the highest viewership and revenue in ICC events. To maximize commercial returns, the two teams have been placed in the same group in every major tournament since 2012, despite the absence of bilateral cricket for more than a decade due to strained diplomatic ties.
Pakistan’s participation had earlier been uncertain after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the final decision rested with the government, following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament last month. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after citing security concerns about playing in India.
Pakistan is grouped with India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States. All of its matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka. A boycott of the India match would result in a forfeit, costing Pakistan two points and negatively affecting its net run rate under ICC playing conditions.
