ICC slams Pakistan’s decision to boycott India match in T20 World Cup
The decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan, says the International Cricket Council.
The International Cricket Council has said the Pakistan government's statement to instruct its national team to boycott its match against India in the coming ICC Men's T20 World Cup "undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions."
The ICC said in a statement yesterday (1 February) that while it awaits an 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," said the statement.
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The world governing body of cricket said while it 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," according to the statement.
It said the ICC expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution which protects the interests of all stakeholders.
The government of Pakistan yesterday decided to allow its men's cricket team to participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but confirmed it will boycott the match against India scheduled for 15 February.
"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 15 February 2026 against India," said a post from the Pakistan government's official X account.
The decision followed a meeting last week between Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman and interior minister, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, amid speculation that Pakistan could boycott the tournament after Bangladesh's withdrawal.
Questions over Pakistan's participation grew after the ICC decided to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland on 24 January after refusing to tour India, citing safety concerns amid strained political relations between the two neighbouring countries.
