ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed.
The Government of Pakistan on Sunday (February 1) granted permission for its national team to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but has instructed them not to take the field for their group-stage clash against India on February 15.
Subsequently, the ICC issued a formal statement, citing that selective participation will not be allowed and asked Pakistan to rethink its decision.
Pakistan’s 'boycott' move followed the ICC’s removal of Bangladesh from the 20-tournament after BCB refused to travel to India citing 'security concerns'. Bangladesh remained firm on its stance of not playing on Indian soil, leading the apex body to replace them with Scotland.
Now, a report published by NDTV claims that the PCB finds itself isolated in row with ICC over T20 World Cup boycott of India clash
According to the report, the PCB reached out to several other member boards but didn’t get the desired result, with not a single cricket board backing Pakistan's stance.
“Sources have confirmed that the feedback from other international boards to the PCB has been blunt. The general consensus is that Pakistan has no locus standi, or legal standing, in this matter. The boycott, framed by the PCB as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter was removed from the tournament, is being viewed as a manufactured crisis,” the report stated.
“Member boards have highlighted several contradictions that undermine Pakistan's intent behind the move. Pakistan's youth team recently played against India in the U19 World Cup without any protest or mention of a boycott,” it added.
Furthermore, the PCB is yet to even make formal contact with the ICC regarding the boycott, despite the Pakistan government's public announcement via social media.
Pakistan are slated to play all their T20 World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model agreement with the BCCI and ICC till 2027.
If the Men in Green fail to take the field against India on February 15, the match will be ruled a forfeit under ICC rules, resulting in an automatic loss of two points and a hit to their net run rate. Additionally, the following sanctions are likely to be imposed on PCB.
Full Suspension: Akin to the 1970s era when South Africa was suspended from international cricket due to the government’s apartheid policy of racial segregation, Pakistan could be barred from all international competition.
PSL Impact: This measure would involve refusing clearance for foreign players to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), threatening to cripple the league and isolate Pakistan cricket.
Financial Consequences: The ICC can withhold the $34.5 million annual payout if participation agreements are breached.
While PCB feels it can mention the government directive to avoid sanctions, the boycott of India match involves more complexities and the repercussions could leave Pakistan cricket in financial ruin.
(With NDTV Inputs)