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 play in India over 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 Jay Shah-led ICC is contemplating imposing severe sanctions on Pakistan for announcing a boycott of the marquee fixture against India.

Sources have told the publication that if PCB doesn’t change its stance within the next 48 hours, the following sanctions could be imposed:

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.

Sources also confirmed that behind-the-scenes negotiations are taking place to resolve the deadlock, especially as the T20 World Cup is scheduled to get underway in less than a week's time.

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.

Clause 16.10.7 states that in the event of a forfeit, "the net run rate of the defaulting team shall be affected in that the full 20 overs of the defaulting team's innings in such forfeited match shall be taken into account in calculating the average runs per over of the defaulting team over the course of the relevant portion of the competition."