The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued its first response to Pakistan’s decision to boycott the IND vs PAK contest in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 and has fired a warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board. On Sunday, after days of delay and threats over boycotting the marquee tournament, the PCB announced after consultations with the Pakistan government that the team will not take on India on February 15. ICC has categorically stated that Pakistan’s stance is against the fundamentals of the game and has urged to the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution.
ICC responds to Pakistan skipping IND vs PAK in T20 World Cup
“The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.
ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
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 ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which should also be the responsibility of all its members including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders,” the ICC said in a statement.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the Government of Pakistan stated.
Pakistan will have to forfeit two points from the India game, which could affect their T20 World Cup campaign.
Cricket
Pakistan to boycott India match in T20 World Cup 2026
