The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly expressed serious concern over Pakistan’s refusal to play against India, which has not pacified cricket’s global governing body.
According to Indian media reports, the ICC has started exploring back-channel options to reconsider Pakistan’s position in the T20 World Cup against India.
ICC Vice-President Imran Khawaja has been entrusted with the responsibility of initiating informal talks with Pakistan over the issue.
Khawaja, representing the Singapore Cricket Association, is said to be in the process of trying to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to agree to a high-level meeting.
Indian media also said that he has been asked to act as a mediator and initiate dialogue with the PCB to defuse tensions surrounding the match.
Earlier, the Pakistan government announced that the national team will not play in the T20 World Cup match against India, which is scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka on February 15.
The decision was announced through the government’s official social media channel following a concluding meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The government’s statement approved Pakistan’s participation in the tournament, while expressly barring the team from fielding against India.
The move is seen as an attempt to put financial pressure on the ICC, especially after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently accused the governing body of using “double standards” and acting under the influence of the Indian cricket board.
The ICC has confirmed that it is awaiting formal communication from the PCB regarding the decision.
In a preliminary response, the global body expressed deep displeasure, saying that selective participation contradicted the fundamental principles of the world sporting event and undermined the spirit of competition.
While acknowledging the prerogative of national governments, the ICC urged the PCB to reconsider its position, arguing that the decision would harm the game and its global fan base.
The Council encouraged the Pakistan Cricket Board to pursue a mutually acceptable solution that would protect the interests of all stakeholders.
The ICC board is now expected to assess the integrity of the competition and address what it deems to be violations of playing contracts.
Informed sources said the meeting may discuss the imposition of substantial economic sanctions against Pakistan.
Possible measures include heavy financial penalties for the PCB, bans from future ICC tournaments, restrictions on Pakistan’s bilateral series with leading cricket nations and limits on the participation of foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In addition, the PCB could be financially responsible for compensating broadcasters and business partners for losses arising from boycotted competition.
The situation follows the PCB’s growing displeasure over recent ICC decisions, including the late replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland in the fixture list, which has further strained relations between the two organisations.
Sohail Imran
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