Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) today called an emergency virtual board meeting in response to the Pakistan government’s announcement that its national cricket team will boycott its scheduled match against India in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The group-stage clash between the arch-rivals is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka on February 15, 2026.
The Pakistan government announced the decision to boycott the tournament on Sunday through its official social media channel.
The announcement follows a concluding meeting between Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The government’s statement expressly approved the national team to participate in the tournament, while banning it from fielding against India.
The move is seen as a direct attempt to put financial pressure on the ICC, which PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently accused of using “double standards” and acting under the influence of the Indian cricket board.
The International Cricket Council has confirmed that it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding the decision.
In a preliminary response, the global governing body expressed strong displeasure, saying selective participation contradicted the fundamental principle of the world sporting event. The ICC has warned that such action will damage the spirit of the competition.
While recognizing the prerogative of national governments, the ICC publicly urged the PCB to reconsider, arguing that the decision would harm the game and its global fan base.
The Council encouraged the Pakistan Board to pursue a mutually acceptable solution that would protect the interests of all stakeholders in the game.
The ICC board is now forced to determine the integrity of the competition and address a clear breach of its sporting agreements.
Informed sources said the meeting will discuss the imposition of substantial economic sanctions against Pakistan.
These possible measures include imposing heavy financial penalties on the Pakistan Cricket Board and enforcing a possible ban from subsequent ICC tournaments.
Additional consequences could include restricting Pakistan’s bilateral series engagements with other top cricketing nations and placing limits on the involvement of foreign players in the Pakistan Super League.
The PCB may be financially responsible for compensating broadcasters and other business partners for losses resulting from boycotted competition.
The backdrop to this crisis includes recent PCB displeasure with ICC decisions, particularly the late replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland in the fixture list.
Sohail Imran
comments