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.

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 repercussions could leave the country's cricket board in financial ruin.

According to a TOI report, the ICC is set to highlight the boycott of the marquee encounter as a violation of the contract signed by the PCB itself.

"PCB is violating a contract that itself is a co-signee of. It states that India and Pakistan agree to participate in ICC events and play against each other at neutral venues. There is no force majeure clause in that agreement," the publication quoted a source as saying.

The report further claims ICC's Terms of Participation state that Full Members must make every effort to mitigate government concerns if it affects the team's participation in an ICC event (or match).

The ICC will ask the PCB in the coming days if they've made such an effort to give themselves the best possible chance to play India. Moreover, the ICC representatives could question if the government has restricted Pakistan from playing India across sports or singled out just one game.

"As only one match has been singled out, there needs to be clarity whether the Pakistan government has said no to any sporting activity with India," added the source.

As pe the report, the PCB could face sanctions because it is interfering with the working of a sports body affiliated with the International Olympic Committee.

While the Pakistan government did not specify a reason for boycotting the India match, it 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'.

However, the ICC has made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed and also asked Pakistan to reconsider their stance due to the long-term impact that it can have on cricket in the country.

"While the ICC respects the roles 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. 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, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of," the release said.

"It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders," the release said further.

India hold a dominant 7-1 record over Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cups. The global showpiece begins on February 7, with the arch-rivals placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and USA.

(With TOI Inputs)