 "The irony is that Pakistan and India played a match against each other at the Under-19 level on the same day as the PCB’s decision. Image: Reuters")
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked Pakistan to reconsider its stance on not playing India in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC believes that “selective participation” goes against the spirit of a global tournament, where “all teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.”
In a statement released on Sunday, February 1, the ICC said it has taken note of the announcement made by the Pakistani government , which allowed the national team to take part in the T20 World Cup but skip the group-stage match against India. The ICC said that it is still waiting for official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The apex body added that while it respects the role of governments in national matters, this decision is not in the interest of global cricket or the fans, including millions of supporters in Pakistan. The ICC also warned that such a move could have long-term consequences for cricket in Pakistan.
The ICC urged the PCB to think carefully about how this decision could impact the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both a member and a beneficiary. The ICC said its main priority right now is the smooth and successful conduct of the T20 World Cup and expects all member boards, including the PCB, to work towards a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
“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 said in its statement.
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View All“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,” it added.
Why has Pakistan boycotted India game?
Earlier, the Pakistani government announced on social media that it had allowed the national team to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 but had decided that Pakistan would not take the field against India in their group-stage match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The decision came after discussions between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While no official reason was mentioned in the announcement, the move followed the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the tournament and replace them with Scotland. Pakistan had openly supported Bangladesh and criticised the ICC for what it termed an unjust decision.
The tournament begins on February 7, with Pakistan set to open their campaign against the Netherlands. Pakistan are placed in Group A along with India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. Under the hybrid model, all of Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.