The silence of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) adds to all the speculations about the much-awaited India vs India T20 World Cup 2026 match. Following the government instructions, the PCB will have to clarify its stand to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for further action.
According to a report published in Times of India, the next 48 hours are going to be very important for Pakistan. Within this time period, they are expected to hear their decision on the boycott call made by the government. To clarify the situation, the PCB is obliged to communicate with the Council regarding this matter.
Pakistan will have to clear its stand
After several days of wait, on Sunday, the Pakistan government informed that their men’s national cricket team will travel to Sri Lanka to play the T20 World Cup 2026. But the team will not take the field for the much-awaited match with arch-rivals India in Colombo on February 15. It is still not clear what the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is going to do after the government’s instructions.
Boycotting a particular match of the tournament could put the PCB in breach of the participation agreement it co-signed with the ICC. The agreement was signed with all the legitimate concerns of the Pakistan Cricket Board in mind. If they stick to their stand of boycotting the India vs Pakistan match on February 15, it will be a violation of the agreement.
“The PCB is violating the contract of which it is a co-signatory. The agreement states that India and Pakistan will participate in ICC events and play against each other at neutral venues. There is no force majeure provision in that agreement,” a source told the media house.
ICC may seek clarification from PCB
As per the ICC’s terms of participation, a full member country is liable to put all its concerns on the discussion table to ensure participation in the tournament. Even if the concerns relate to the Government, Full Members are requested to discuss the matter with the ICC.
The threat of a boycott is expected to see PCB and ICC officials at the same table. The council may seek clarification from the PCB regarding the government’s position. The government has so far asked to boycott only one match against India.
“Since only one match has been selected, there is a need for clarity on whether the government has said no to any sporting activity with India,” the source said.
PCB may have to face problems
The boycott of the February 15 match could have a long-term impact on Pakistan cricket. They may also have to face financial penalties and legal cases.
“If Pakistan does not relent and play against India, they could face financial penalties and possible lawsuits from broadcasters, and any attempts to approach the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) are likely to fail,” a source told PTI.
If the PCB sticks to its decision to boycott, the council itself could take a number of stringent actions against them, including a possible ban from international cricket.
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