The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken notice of Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. In a statement released on their website, the ICC emphasized that they are waiting for the official decision from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The statement highlighted that the tournament is based on the principle of equal terms and conditions for all teams, and that boycotting specific matches would compromise the integrity of the event. The ICC stated that the tournament is built on the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, and equal competition, and that boycotting specific matches would undermine the benefits of the tournament.
The ICC also emphasized that they respect the role of governments in matters of national policy, but that the decision to boycott the match against India does not serve the interests of Pakistan’s millions of fans worldwide, nor does it benefit the international cricket community as a whole.
The ICC expressed their preference for a successful Men’s T20 World Cup, which is the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. They expressed hope that Pakistan would seek a resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India has raised concerns about the impact on the tournament’s schedule and the fairness of the competition. The PCB has yet to respond to the ICC’s statement.
Meanwhile, the ICC Under-19 World Cup was won by India, while the Asian Under-21 Snooker Championship was contested between Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan and Iran’s Shahin Sabzi in Qatar.
In other news, the Pakistan cricket team has been training at the Sanaaliza Sports Club in preparation for the T20 World Cup. Netherlands’ batter Max O’Dowd has expressed confidence that Pakistan can be beaten, while England and Australia have advanced to the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha has stated that the team is not under pressure to perform well in the early matches. Cricket Australia has also confirmed that there is no pressure on the team.
The Pakistan cricket team will be led by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Bazid Khan, and Rameez Raja in the commentary box for the World Cup.
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has commented on Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India, stating that such decisions are made in accordance with government and cricket board policy.
