Pakistan’s decision to boycott India Match : ICC responds.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed concern over Pakistan’s decision to opt out of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, warning that such a stance undermines the integrity and spirit of global cricket tournaments.

In a press release, the ICC said it had taken note of a statement by the Pakistani government that the national team had been instructed to opt out of the tournament. The ICC said it was still awaiting official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The ICC said it was difficult to reconcile opt-out participation with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event that expects all eligible teams to compete on equal terms and adhere to the tournament schedule.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and opt-out participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” the ICC said.

While acknowledging the role of governments in matters of national policy, the ICC said the decision was not in the best interests of the global game or the welfare of cricket fans around the world, including millions in Pakistan.

The governing body further urged the PCB to consider the significant long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan, warning that such a move could impact the wider global cricket ecosystem of which Pakistan is a member and beneficiary.

The ICC said its priority was to successfully host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and stressed that this responsibility rests with all member bodies, including the PCB. It added that it expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable proposal that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

The statement came after the Pakistani government announced that the national team would not play India in the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled to be held in Colombo on March 15. (Newswire)

ICC Statement on 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Press Release

ICC notes the statement made by the Government of Pakistan regarding its decision to advise its national team to participate selectively in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

While ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position on selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all eligible teams are expected to compete on equal terms as per the event schedule.

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 best interests of global sport or its fans around the world, including millions in Pakistan.

The ICC hopes that the significant and long-term impacts on cricket in its own country will be considered, as this will impact the global cricket ecosystem, of which it is a member and a beneficiary.

The ICC’s priority is the successful hosting of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable proposal that protects the interests of all stakeholders.