ICC’s Reaction to Pakistan’s Decision to Boycott India Match in T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed strong disapproval of the Pakistan government’s decision to allow selective participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, specifically instructing the national team not to play the scheduled group-stage match against India on February 15, 2026, in Colombo.
In its official statement, the ICC noted:
“The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.”
Key points from the ICC statement:
ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency, and fairness.
Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
While respecting governments’ roles in national policy matters, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
The ICC hopes the PCB will reconsider and explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
The decision could have significant long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan and the broader global cricket ecosystem.
The ICC emphasized that its priority is the successful staging of the tournament and that this responsibility lies with all member countries, including Pakistan.
The statement came shortly after the Pakistan government’s announcement granting approval for the team to participate in the event (to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India) but explicitly barring them from facing India in the high-profile fixture.