The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed serious concern after the Pakistan government approved the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but directed it to boycott the group-stage match against India.
The ICC urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to carefully consider the long-term consequences of the decision and to explore a mutually acceptable solution, reiterating that the successful staging of the T20 World Cup is a collective responsibility of all member boards.
In a media release, the ICC said selective participation is difficult to justify under the fundamental principle of a global tournament, where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms.
The world governing body stressed that ICC events are founded on sporting integrity, competitiveness and fairness, cautioning that partial participation undermines the spirit and credibility of the competition.
While awaiting formal communication from the PCB, the ICC acknowledged that governments play a role in shaping national policy, but said the decision does not serve the best interests of the global game or its supporters, including millions of fans in Pakistan.
Earlier, the Pakistan government confirmed on social media that the team would take part in the tournament but would not face arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the side are scheduled to play the Netherlands on February 7, the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18, with all matches set to be held in Colombo.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
