Pakistan on Sunday announced a boycott of its high-profile men’s T20 World Cup group league match against India, a move that is likely to have serious repercussions even as the government cleared the national team’s participation in the rest of the global event starting February 7.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the government posted on social media.
The ICC, on its part questioned the Pakistan government’s decision and also issued a warning that this boycott could lead to punitive sanctions.
“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 global body said in a statement.
“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” it further stated. PTI
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ICC to decide Pakistan’s fate this week
February 2, 2026 1:12 pm
As per reports, the ICC will hold a board meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday this week to decide any consequences for Pakistan. With action expected to follow soon after, the intrigue and drama of the situation are likely to spill over into the World Cup itself. The shockwaves, it seems, will never fully subside before the next controversy demands attention.
BCCI backs ICC’s stance on Pakistan boycotting T20 WC match against India: Rajeev Shukla
February 2, 2026 11:38 am
The BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) board agrees with the ICC’s stance on sportsmanship regarding Pakistan’s boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India and will comment only after consulting the ICC.
BCCI vice president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said, “ICC has issued a big statement, they have spoken about sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI won’t make any comments on it until we speak with the ICC.” Rajeev Shukla’s comments come after Pakistan decided to boycott its group-stage match against India in the ICC World T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15. The Pakistan government said in a post on X that the Pakistan team “shall not take the field” in the match against India.
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash: Politics disrupts cricket’s biggest showdown
February 2, 2026 11:25 am
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/cricket/india-vs-pakistan-t20-world-cup-clash-politics-disrupts-crickets-biggest-showdown/
Pakistan’s net run rate to be impacted
February 2, 2026 9:37 am
Pakistan’s net run rate will be hit affected by the forfeiture, according to ICC’s Playing Conditions, while India’s net run rate will remain unchanged.
Clause 16.10.7 of the ICC Playing Conditions states that in the event of a forfeit, “the net run rate of the defaulting team shall be affected, with the full 20 overs of the defaulting team’s innings in the forfeited match taken into account when calculating the average runs per over over the relevant portion of the competition.”
‘Not our decision, it’s the Board’s,” says Salman Ali Agha
February 2, 2026 9:10 am
“This is not our decision; it is a decision taken by our Board, and we will stick with it,” said Pakistan cricketer Salman Ali Agha.
India to travel to Sri Lanka on February 15, follow ICC protocol despite match uncertainty
February 2, 2026 9:00 am
India will travel to Sri Lanka on February 15 and follow ICC protocol. The team will practice as scheduled, attend the press conference, and reach the stadium on time before waiting for the match referee to officially call off the match, BCCI sources said.
Possible sanctions by ICC
February 2, 2026 8:42 am
An affiliated member has refused to travel to Pakistan for a bilateral series. Even if the matches are played, results may not affect ICC rankings. Pakistan could also be stripped of World Test Championship (WTC) points.
The PCB may be required to compensate ICC’s broadcaster, Jio Star, for revenue losses. Advertisement losses from a potential India-Pakistan T20 game could exceed Rs 200 crore.
Uganda is likely to replace Pakistan in the tournament if required.
ICC officials will hold a virtual meeting on Monday to decide further action.
The ICC is yet to receive official confirmation from the PCB.
Madan Lal slams Pakistan govt, PCB for ‘damaging their own cricket’
February 2, 2026 8:40 am
“I think the Pakistan government or the PCB are damaging their own cricket. This approach is not going to solve their problems. Someone needs to step in and think sensibly, because right now they are not thinking clearly.
They want to support Bangladesh – fine, keep supporting Bangladesh – but that’s not Pakistan’s business. In the end, both Bangladesh and Pakistan will suffer. The main issue is that countries like New Zealand, England, South Africa and Australia are the biggest stakeholders in world cricket. They get the crowds and attract the sponsorship,” former Indian cricketer Madan Lal reacts to Pakistan’s boycott of India T20 world cup match.
Decision sign of ‘protest’ against ICC
February 2, 2026 8:26 am
The decision, conveyed through an official government statement, is being seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.
