The International Cricket Council has formally responded to Pakistan’s decision to boycott its group-stage match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, warning that selective participation undermines the principles of a global sporting event and could have wider implications for international cricket.
Read More: Pakistan to play T20 World Cup but boycott group match against India
In a statement issued on Monday, the International Cricket Council said it had taken note of the announcement made by the Government of Pakistan instructing its national team to participate in the tournament while opting out of a specific fixture. The ICC added that it is still awaiting official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The ICC said that selective participation was “difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event,” where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms and according to the agreed schedule.
Concerns over sporting integrity
The governing body emphasised that ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and said that opting out of a scheduled match runs counter to those principles.
“Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of ICC competitions,” the statement said, adding that such decisions are not in the interest of the global game or cricket fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
While acknowledging the role of governments in matters of national policy, the ICC cautioned that the move could affect the wider cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both a member and beneficiary.
Call for resolution
The ICC said it hoped the PCB would carefully consider the long-term consequences for cricket in Pakistan and engage with the council to find a mutually acceptable solution.
“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the statement said, stressing that this responsibility is shared by all member boards. The council urged the PCB to explore options that protect the interests of all stakeholders and preserve the integrity of the tournament.
Pakistan has already confirmed it will play its remaining Group A matches in Sri Lanka but will forfeit the February 15 fixture against India, a decision that would cost the team points and affect its net run rate under ICC playing conditions. The ICC has not yet outlined any disciplinary or procedural steps, pending formal communication from the PCB.
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