ICC urges PCB to consider long-term implications after boycotting India match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has voiced strong concern after the Pakistan government approved the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026—while instructing it to skip the group-stage match against India.

The ICC urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider the long-term implications and seek a mutually acceptable resolution, reiterating that the successful delivery of the T20 World Cup remains the shared responsibility of all member boards.

In a media release, the ICC said selective participation was difficult to reconcile with the core premise of a global tournament where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms.

The governing body stressed that ICC events are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness and fairness, warning that partial participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competition.

While awaiting official communication from the PCB, the ICC acknowledged the role of governments in national policy but said the move was not in the best interests of the global game or its fans, including millions in Pakistan.

The Pakistan government confirmed on social media that the team would play in the tournament but would not take the field against arch-rivals India on 15 February in Colombo.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. Salman Ali Agha’s side are set to face the Netherlands on 7 February, the USA on 10 February and Namibia on 18 February, with all matches scheduled in Colombo.