Lahore/New Delhi: After ICC issued stern warning to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over Pakistan’s decision to boycott their Group A match against India in the T20 World Cup, question arises will it end up making a U-turn? According to some media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t sent any formal communication to the ICC regarding the boycott of their match against India.
ICC Board Meeting to resolve situation
As they were forced to do when Bangladesh threatened withdrawal, the ICC will have to conduct another emergency board meeting to try and resolve the situation with other teams in mind, reported Hindustan Times.
‘Hope PCB will consider long-term implications for cricket in its own country….”
“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. 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 statement mentions, reported News 18.
“Successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup..responsibility of 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 adds.
What sanctions could PCB face?
If PCB doesn’t make a U-turn, there could be a host of sanctions which includes docking of World Test Championship points, no movement in ICC rankings, top member nations refusing to travel to Pakistan, besides sanctions on participation of players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
‘Calculated attempt to challenge ICC on revenue’
Pakistan’s decision to travel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while refusing to take the field against India on Feb 15, is being sold domestically as defiance, another News 18 report claims. Among the cricketing and commercial circles, this can be read as something far more complex. According to analysts, this could be a calculated attempt to challenge the ICC at its most vulnerable pressure point: revenue.
Mohsin Naqvi’s ‘political flex’ may cost the team dear
Some analysts also considered this move as not driven by cricketing logic. The move was cleared at the highest political level after consultations involving PM Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, according to News 18.
Why Pakistan’s rationale on security grounds is not valid?
Though there had been instances when World Cups had seen boycotts/forfeits before and yet none faced sanctions beyond forfeited points, this case is different, as per experts. Pakistan doesn’t hold the security issue shield this time. This is because Pakistan’s conditions were already accommodated by the ICC through a neutral venue. Choosing selective participation even after an agreement could cost Pakistan team dear.
ICC has reasons to adjust from Pakistan’s revenue share in case of loss
India-Pakistan fixture props up ad inventories, sponsorship commitments and global viewership projections, and thus crucial for ICC in terms of revenue. As per industry estimates, a single India match has roughly USD 10–11 million in standalone value. The figure could double if it is an India-Pakistan match. Thus, there are reasons to believe that if Pakistan opts out, ICC will inevitably have to adjust the loss of revenue from Pakistan’s share. This puts Pakistan in a fix as it could end up directly shrinking its own future earnings. And, this loss would not just be from this World Cup, but across women’s events and junior tournaments. Even revenue cycles beyond 2026 could be hit.
Former cricketers question Pakistan’s boycott
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen was among the first to publicly challenge the logic behind the move. He questioned whether Pakistan would maintain the same position if the two sides crossed paths later in the tournament.
“Not sure if India can meet Pakistan in this World Cup final due to groups and play-offs, but if they can, would Pakistan refuse to play the World Cup final?” Pietersen wrote on X.
“An India-Pakistan clash, even in the knockout is ruled out? Sure? We get there it will be a “World T 20 bye” ?” former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wrote on X.
“Definitely, I think if you withdraw at the last moment, that is an issue. If you withdraw earlier on, that’s another matter altogether. But if you withdraw at the last moment, on the eve of the tournament, then yes, I think certainly the ICC should come in and take some action. I don’t know what action they will take, but I think there are so many other boards involved, so it’s not just going to be one person’s decision. However, it should be something that ensures no other team in the future also considers doing that,” former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.
“The ICC will probably take legal action against Pakistan over the refusal to play against India, but what the result of such an action would be, I can’t say. It is certain that the ICC would be extremely displeased with this decision of Pakistan government,” he added.
Why did Pakistan threaten an IND vs PAK boycott?
Pakistan’s boycott announcement stems from comments made by PCB chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who threatened withdrawal in solidarity with Bangladesh after they were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team competition, reported India Today, adding that the political messaging was clear, but the cricketing fallout had no justification.
What will happen if Pakistan remains absent on match day?
India captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to arrive at the match ground on time and walk out for the toss as per the schedule, and if Pakistan remains absent, the match referee will formally award a walkover to India with two points in the group standings.
Pakistan’s skipper expresses helplessness
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha said the decision to not play against India hadn’t been taken by the players. “We are going to the World Cup. Humara decision nahi hai, hum kuch nahi kar sakte. (The decision not to play against India isn’t ours, so we cannot do anything about it.) Whatever our government, the PCB chief tells us to do, we will do that only,” Agha said, reported News 18.
What has been India’s stance in the matter?
Meanwhile, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India, as per India Today, maintain that India will stick to protocol. The side will be travelling to Colombo, attending training sessions and media commitments, and leaving the final call to match officials. BCCI is likely to make an official statement soon. It had not come up with any official statement on the matter so far.
