Pakistan government has directed its national team not to take the field against India.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied reaching out to International Cricket Council (ICC) over boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo.
Notably, the Pakistan government has directed its national team not to take the field against India. Even though the ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed, PCB hasn’t changed its stance yet.
On Saturday (February 7), multiple reports suggested that the PCB has reopened dialogue with the ICC over their boycott move. However, the board quashed them all with a post on social media platform X.
In a statement, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir rubbished reports suggesting the board had approached the ICC for discussions.
“I categorically reject the claim by Indian sports journalist that PCB approached the ICC," Mir said.
The statement was released after the journalist claimed that the PCB had initiated dialogue after the ICC sought an explanation on how the force majeure clause can be invoked to justify the team's refusal to play India, and also warned the Pakistan board of potential legal implications.
Mir, however, dismissed those claims, saying sections of the Indian media were “circulating fiction" and that clarity would emerge with time about who actually initiated talks.
“As usual, sections of the Indian media are busy circulating fiction. A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn’t," Mir added.
Earlier, news agency AFP also reported that the PCB had reached out to the ICC following formal communication from the apex body, which was keen on resolving the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Meanwhile, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the team will travel to Colombo for the marquee fixture, regardless of Pakistan's decision.
On the other hand, Pakistan captain Salman Agha has said the team will abide by the government's instructions.
As per reports, co-hosts Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged the PCB to reconsider their stance, which could have an adverse impact on tourism in the island nation.
Pakistan’s boycott decision is being seen as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh after their removal from the 20-tournament for refusing to travel to India citing 'security concerns'.
The India versus Pakistan fixture is estimated to generate a substantial portion of the tournament's global sponsorship and broadcast revenue. By targeting this particular match, Pakistan aim to hit the ICC where it is most vulnerable. However, the consequences could leave the country's cricket board in financial ruin.