Reacting to the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the high-profile T20 World Cup February 15 match against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has flagged serious concerns, warning that selective participation undermines the tournament and its global audience.
The ICC has said it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but stressed that such decisions can have long-term consequences for the sport.
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On Sunday night, the Pakistan government announced on social media that while it had granted clearance for the national team to participate in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan would not take the field for the Group A clash against India scheduled to be played in Colombo. The decision is set to have significant implications for the tournament.
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Interestingly, Pakistan’s decision came on the same day their Under-19 cricket team lost to the Indian boys to bow out of the ongoing Under-19 World Cup.
The decision, conveyed through an official government statement, is being seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds. At the time, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had said that it would reassess its participation following that decision as it showed solidarity with Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, ICC, the global cricketing body, has warned against “significant and long-term implications” that Pakistan could face for boycotting the match against India.
“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,” an ICC statement read.
“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions. 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,” it added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, is yet to make any statement.
Meanwhile, it has been reliably learnt that the BCCI has maintained restraint on the issues, with sources saying that the Indian team will stick to protocol, and travel to Colombo accordingly. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side is expected to attend the training sessions and keep their preparations on, leaving the final call to match officials.
BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said, “ICC has issued a big statement, they have spoken about sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI won’t make any comments on it until we speak with the ICC.”
The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, drawing peak global viewership, sponsorship interest and broadcast revenues.
While a walkover would hand full points to India, the ICC retains the authority to impose financial penalties on the PCB.
Not out decision: Agha
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the call was beyond the players’ control and that the team would abide by the instructions given to them.
At the time the announcement was made, Agha was involved in Pakistan’s third and final T20I against Australia. Speaking to reporters later, the skipper clarified that the decision had been taken entirely by the government and reiterated that the players would follow the directives issued by the authorities and PCB.
“Yes, absolutely, we will go. But that is not our decision, sir, and we cannot do anything about it. Whatever our government and our chairman instruct us to do, we have to follow. Only then will we go, and we will do that,” Agha said.
Former cricketers including Kevin Pietersen and Ravichandran Ashwin reacted to the announcement, made just days before the ICC showpiece begins on February 7.
“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?” questioned Pietersen.
Ashwin also mocked the decision, stating, “An India Pakistan clash even in the knockout is ruled out? Sure? We get there it will be a “World T 20 bye”.
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