LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan has refused to play its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India on February 15; however, the question arises what will Pakistan do if it face the arch rival in semis or the final of the tournament.
Previously, Pakistan confirmed that it will participate in the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup but announced that it will not play the Feb 15 scheduled match against India.
The decision came after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
However, the question still remains about whether Pakistan will play India if the teams meet in the semi-final or final.
Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup
According to BBC Urdu, when asked about the possible scenario, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson Aamir Mir said the decision will be made at the right time.
He further said that it will not be the PCB to decide, but the government will take a decision on it.
In Group A, India and Pakistan are joined by the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.
Pakistan’s withdrawal from the February 15 match will result in a win for India and two points for them.
Pakistan will need to win its remaining matches with a good run rate to reach the Super 12 stage.
Under ICC Playing Conditions clause 16.10.7, if a team refuses to play a match, its net run rate will be affected.
The other team’s net run rate will not change. This means Pakistan’s decision to withdraw will also affect its run rate in the tournament.
The cricket match between Pakistan and India is considered one of the biggest and most profitable in the world.
It attracts large audiences and is very important for the global cricket economy.
Private TV reports say that if Pakistan continues to refuse to play India, it could directly affect the financial structure of international cricket.
Indian broadcasters may face the biggest loss. The report estimated that Indian broadcasting companies could lose around 500 million dollars, or about 14.1 billion Pakistani rupees.
This is because the match draws the highest television ratings, digital streaming views, advertisements, and sponsorships.
Bangladesh ouster
Prior to that, the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s stance is based on principles.
“We supported Bangladesh while keeping the golden rules of cricket in mind. Our players are talented, and success in any field comes from teamwork,” he added.
ICC’s request to PCB
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested the PCB to reconsider its decision to boycott India in the T20 World Cup 2026.
In a press release, the ICC said, “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.”
“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 reads further.
“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders”, the board further added.
