DUBAI (Kashmir English): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has responded to Pakistan’s decision not to play India in the T20 World Cup.
The ICC said in a statement that it has taken note of the statement made by the Government of Pakistan, in which the Pakistan team has been directed to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The ICC said that it is waiting for the Pakistan Cricket Board to inform it of the formal decision, but this position is not consistent with the basic concept of a global sporting event, where all qualifying teams are expected to compete on an equal footing according to the scheduled schedule of the event.
The statement said that the ICC tournaments are based on the integrity of the game, competition, continuity, and fairness, while the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy.
This decision is not in the best interests of world cricket or fans around the world, including millions of fans in Pakistan.
The ICC said it hoped that the PCB would seriously consider the significant and long-term implications for its country, as this decision could have negative repercussions on the global cricketing system, of which the PCB is a member and beneficiary.
The ICC said its top priority was the successful hosting of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and this responsibility rests with all its member nations, including the PCB.
The ICC expects the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution while ensuring that the interests of all parties concerned are protected.
Earlier, Pakistan announced its participation in the T20 World Cup and also its decision not to play the match against India.
The decision was taken during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Both discussed Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup. After the meeting, the government of Pakistan officially announced that “we are allowing our team to participate in the T20 World Cup, but the scheduled match against India will not be played.”
No World Cup match against India
Following this decision, Pakistan’s team will participate in the biggest short-format tournament of international cricket, but the Pakistan-India match will be canceled under the government’s policy of not competing with India.
This match was scheduled for February 15, and fans of both teams were eagerly awaiting it, but the current state of political and diplomatic relations has adversely affected this historic match.
After the meeting, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that according to government directives, the board will ensure the team’s participation in the T20 World Cup and special attention will be given to the players’ preparation.
He further said that the team will continue to be encouraged, and efforts will be made to perform at its best in the World Cup.
This decision by the government has generated various reactions in cricket circles. On one hand, this step has been taken keeping in mind Pakistan’s security and diplomatic interests, but on the other hand, cricket fans will be deprived of the most anticipated match in global cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has promised that it will make every possible arrangement for the team so that players can show their full potential in the World Cup and achieve the best results for Pakistan.
This decision, before the start of the T20 World Cup, has brought a new direction to the Pakistan cricket team’s strategy and competition planning, and its effects will be seen in global cricket.
