Regarding Pakistan’s decision not to play the match against India in the T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has called for finding a mutually acceptable solution, stating that this could have long-term consequences for cricket in Pakistan.
In a statement, the ICC said it has taken notice of the statement issued by the Government of Pakistan, which directed the Pakistani team regarding partial participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The ICC stated that it is awaiting the official stance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB); however, the decision for partial participation is inconsistent with the fundamental concept of a global sporting event. “All teams participating in a global event are expected to compete on an equal basis according to the fixed schedule.”
The statement further added that ICC tournaments are based on the integrity, competitiveness, continuity, and fairness of the sport, and partial participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competition.
In the statement, the ICC said, “While it respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or fans worldwide, including millions of fans in Pakistan.”
According to the statement, “The ICC hopes the Pakistan Cricket Board will consider what the long-term consequences of this decision will be for cricket in Pakistan. The effects of this decision will also impact the global cricketing environment, of which Pakistan is both a part and a beneficiary.”
The ICC stated that its priority is the successful hosting of the tournament, which is also the responsibility of all International Cricket Council members, including the PCB.
The statement added: “The ICC hopes that the Pakistan Cricket Board will reach a decision that is acceptable to everyone and protects the interests of all parties involved.”
What was Pakistan’s decision?
The Government of Pakistan has granted permission for its cricket team to participate in the T20 World Cup; however, the team will not play its match against India.
In a statement on Sunday, the government said, “The government has allowed the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but the Pakistan team will not play the match against India on February 15, 2026.”
This statement from the Pakistani government comes at a time when reports had been circulating for several days that refusing permission for the team to play against India was under consideration.
Last week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, after a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stated, “The Prime Minister has directed to resolve the matter while keeping all options in mind.”
It is worth noting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had excluded Bangladesh from the World Cup after they refused to play in India, replacing them with Scotland.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi termed the ICC’s decision as “injustice” and a “double standard.”
He stated, “The same rules should apply to Bangladesh as they do to anyone else. If a country refuses to play in another country due to security reasons, then Bangladesh should also have that right.”
He further added, “In this situation, the government will decide whether to send the team to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, and if justice is not served to Bangladesh, then the ICC is free to include a 22nd team if it wishes.”
When Mohsin Naqvi was asked what the “Plan B” is if Pakistan also does not play the T20 World Cup, he replied, “Let the decision come first; we have Plans A, B, C, and D.”
“Pakistan has played a massive role in instigating Bangladesh”
Earlier, India had leveled allegations that Pakistan had incited Bangladesh to boycott the T20 World Cup.
Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stated that Bangladesh had been given security assurances for the T20 World Cup being hosted by India this year; however, Pakistan engaged in “unnecessary interference” in the matter.
In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI, Rajeev Shukla said, “We wanted Bangladesh to play. We had provided them with security assurances, but they decided not to send their team, stating that their government says they cannot send the team and will only play in Colombo.”
“It is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment; therefore, the ICC had to bring in Scotland. Bangladesh should have thought about it; they should have played. We truly want them to play.”
Referring to Pakistan, he said, “Pakistan is involving itself in this unnecessarily. Pakistan has played a massive role in instigating Bangladesh.”
“Pakistan should not have done all this. The world knows, and the Bangladeshis also know, the excesses Pakistan committed against them. That is when that country separated.”
The BCCI Vice President further added that Pakistan is now trying to lead Bangladesh down the wrong path by “acting as a sympathizer, which is wrong.”
What loss will Pakistan suffer by boycotting the World Cup?
The Indian newspaper The Indian Express, citing sources, reported that if Pakistan does not play the T20 World Cup, the ICC could take action against it.
An official from the BCCI told Hindustan Times on the condition of anonymity, “If Pakistan refuses to play, the annual funds provided to the PCB by the ICC could be withheld.”
It is worth noting that at the time of the revenue distribution decision in 2023, the total income of the International Cricket Council was $600 million.
In the meeting held in Durban, it was decided that from 2024 to 2027, 38.5% of this income would be given to the Indian Cricket Board.
The England Cricket Board will receive 7% of the revenue, while Australia will receive 6%.
Pakistan is in fourth place and will receive $34.5 million annually from the ICC during this period.
Senior sports analyst Neeru Bhatia says, “If Pakistan boycotts today, it could also be excluded from future ICC Cricket World Cups and the Test Championship.”
How much loss will the ICC incur if Pakistan does not play?
If Pakistan does not play in the World Cup, it will have a direct impact on the ICC’s revenue.
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel, “If Pakistan does not play the World Cup, the broadcaster will be in deep trouble. If Pakistan is out, will the match India plays against another team be watched by as many people?”
According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), matches between India and Pakistan have generated more than $1 billion in revenue over the last 20 years.
According to Neeru Bhatia, the ICC will also have to suffer heavy losses if Pakistan does not play. According to her, “Tickets for the India vs. Pakistan match are sold out instantly. Money is also generated through expensive television advertisements and sponsorships.”
During a show on social media, sports analyst Dr. Nauman Niaz stated, “The entire World Cup will be shaken if Pakistan does not participate.”
He claimed that during a match between Pakistan and India, advertising airtime in India sells for up to $4,800. “In addition to this, the ICC has entered into various types of contracts, which include ground branding and title sponsorships.”
On the question of a potential ban on the Pakistan team in the event of a boycott, Dr. Nauman Niaz said, “If the Pakistan Cricket Board itself decides not to send its team for the World Cup, then a ban could be imposed. However, if the Government of Pakistan makes this decision, then it will not be so easy for the ICC to impose a ban.”
“Pakistan should not boycott the World Cup”
Former cricket board officials also hold differing opinions regarding Pakistan’s potential decision.
Former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Lieutenant General (Retd) Tauqir Zia, is of the opinion that “Pakistan should not boycott the T20 World Cup.”
Speaking to the BBC, he stated, “No other board objected to the ICC’s decision regarding Bangladesh; the ICC made this decision unanimously. Therefore, instead of prolonging this matter, Pakistan should now clarify its stance on it.”
He added, “There is no doubt that Pakistan has taken a principled stand, but Pakistan is an important member of international cricket, and there is also the matter of broadcasting rights for the India-Pakistan match.”
On the other hand, former PCB Chairman Khalid Mahmood, while speaking to the BBC, said that the Pakistan Cricket Board should stand firm on its principled position.
He stated, “Pakistan should once again demand that the ICC call an emergency meeting.”
According to Khalid Mahmood, “Pakistan should convince other ICC members that India brings politics into the game every time, and this cycle must stop.”
According to the former PCB Chairman, “Sometimes Indian cricketers refuse to shake hands, sometimes they refuse to accept trophies, and sometimes they refuse to go and play in another country.”
He added, “Other member nations of the ICC should also understand why every country seems to have a conflict specifically with India.”
He says, “In the past, many teams consistently refused to come to Pakistan due to security reasons, and the ICC never forced any team to go and play in Pakistan. So why is Bangladesh now being forced to go and play in India?”
He further stated, “If millions of dollars have to be sacrificed for the sake of principles, then we should not back down, because the world looks at principles, not money.”
