ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council has strongly criticizedPakistan’s decision to boycott its group-stage match against India in theongoing Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, describing selective participation asincompatible with the principles of global sporting events. On February 1,2026, the Government of Pakistan announced approval for the national teamto compete in the tournament hosted by India and Sri Lanka but directedthat the side would not take the field for the February 15 fixture inColombo. This move follows tensions over the ICC’s removal of Bangladeshfrom the competition due to their refusal to play in India, promptingPakistan’s protest and accusation of double standards.
The ICC issued a formal statement noting it had yet to receive officialcommunication from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding the government’sdirective. It emphasized that tournaments rely on all qualified teamscompeting equally according to the schedule, with selective involvementeroding sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency, and fairness. Thegoverning body highlighted that such actions undermine the spirit andsanctity of ICC competitions, which attract millions of fans globally,including in Pakistan, and are not aligned with the interests of the game.
Pakistan’s announcement came amid heightened diplomatic and cricketingfrictions, with no bilateral series between the two nations since 2012-13.The ICC has ensured India and Pakistan are grouped together in major eventsto maximize viewership and revenue from their encounters, generatingsubstantial commercial value through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, andadvertising. Boycotting the match would result in Pakistan forfeiting twopoints, adversely affecting their net run rate while leaving India’sunaffected, per previous playing conditions, potentially jeopardizing theirSuper 8 qualification prospects.
The T20 World Cup 2026, featuring 20 teams across 55 matches from February7 to March 8, has Pakistan in Group A alongside India, Namibia, theNetherlands, and the United States. All Pakistan fixtures, including thisone at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, are scheduled in Sri Lankaunder a neutral venue agreement to accommodate security and politicalconcerns. Pakistan’s campaign opens against the Netherlands on February 7,followed by the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18,with the India clash now at risk of becoming the first absentIndia-Pakistan group game in an ICC men’s event since 2010.
Analysts point to the decision stemming from Pakistan’s support forBangladesh, the only ICC member backing Dhaka’s demand for venue shiftsciting security issues in India. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s laterequest, replacing them with Scotland and maintaining the originalschedule. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier accusedthe ICC of favoritism toward India, threatening full withdrawal before thegovernment opted for partial participation. This stance risks furthersanctions, including potential financial penalties or long-termimplications for Pakistan’s involvement in future ICC events.
The ICC reiterated respect for governmental roles in national policy butstressed that cricket’s global welfare takes precedence, urging the PCB toseek a mutually acceptable resolution protecting all stakeholders. Failureto reverse course could deprive fans of a marquee contest that consistentlydraws record audiences and revenue, impacting the tournament’s commercialsuccess. Broadcasters have warned of potential multimillion-dollar lossesfrom the absence of this high-profile fixture.
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This development underscores persistent challenges in Indo-Pak cricketingrelations within multilateral frameworks, where political tensions oftenovershadow sporting merit. As the tournament progresses, the ICC’s priorityremains delivering a successful event, with expectations that member boardsfulfill commitments to ensure fairness and competitiveness for allparticipants.
Source:https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-to-boycott-t20-world-cup-match-against-india-1521915
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