ICC Warns Pakistan Over Boycott of India Match in T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a strong response to Pakistan’s decision to boycott its group-stage match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan has said that it will take part in the tournament but will not play the match against India, which is scheduled for February 15.

On Sunday, Pakistan confirmed that its team will compete in the World Cup but will skip only the India match. This decision has raised serious concerns within the global cricket community.

In an official statement, the ICC said that such selective participation goes against the basic spirit of international cricket. The governing body explained that global tournaments are based on fairness, equal competition, and respect for the schedule. According to the ICC, choosing to play some matches and avoiding others can damage the integrity of the sport.

The ICC also said that it has not yet received any formal or written communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding this decision. The council urged the PCB to officially clarify its position and reconsider the move, as it could have long-term effects on cricket, not just in Pakistan but around the world.

The ICC stated that while it understands that governments sometimes take decisions based on national policies, such actions are not good for the game or for cricket fans. The council pointed out that millions of fans, including those in Pakistan, could be affected by this decision.

In its statement, the ICC added that Pakistan is an important member of the global cricket system and also benefits from it. Therefore, the council hopes that the PCB will think carefully about how this decision might impact cricket in Pakistan in the future.

The ICC made it clear that its main focus is the smooth and successful organization of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. It said that all member boards, including the PCB, share the responsibility of protecting the tournament’s spirit and success. The ICC concluded by urging Pakistan to find a solution that is fair and acceptable to all parties involved.

Pakistan has been placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup along with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. All of Pakistan’s group matches are scheduled to be played in co-host nation Sri Lanka. Pakistan will begin its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, then face the United States on February 10, and play Namibia on February 18.