All actions that Pakistan could face if they boycott match against India in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan and India are scheduled to clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15 in Colombo.

A new controversy has erupted ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, as Pakistan have decided to boycott their group stage match against India.

In a bid to oppose Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament by the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to let their players play against India in the 20-nation tournament.

India and Pakistan are placed in Group A and will face each other on February 15 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Although the ICC has not received any official confirmation from the PCB on this matter, reports of Pakistan boycotting the event are circulating.

ICC has already warned Pakistan not to boycott their clash against India. In an official statement, the governing body has termed the move as against the spirit of the game and the tournament.

“The ICC notes the statement that the govt of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” ICC said in a statement.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board, 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,” the statement further added.

What actions can ICC take against Pakistan for boycotting match against India?

Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Team could face severe consequences if they go ahead with boycotting the clash against India in T20 World Cup.

To begin with, they can be completely banned from the entire tournament. ICC can also withhold their share of annual revenue.

Moreover, the PCB will have to bear the losses faced by broadcasting partner Jio Star and provide full compensation to the network group. India vs Pakistan games are among the most-watched matches on television and attract high viewership.

Pakistan could also be stopped from conducting bilateral series with other nations. This move will affect their points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, as well as their team rankings in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Additionally, ICC can also halt overseas players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL 2026 is set to witness a player auction for the first time.

Meanwhile, Salman Agha will captain Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026, while Suryakumar Yadav will lead India. The arch-rivals are grouped with the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia in their pool.

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