Key points
- ICC awaits official PCB communication
- Selective participation undermines tournament integrity
- ICC urges a mutually acceptable resolution
DUBAI: The International Cricket Council said it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board after the Pakistani government announced it would not allow the national team to play India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, warning that selective participation could undermine the fairness and integrity of the global event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday responded to the Government of Pakistan’s decision to bar the national team from playing arch-rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8.
In a brief statement, the ICC said it was aware of the government’s announcement but was still waiting for official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The global governing body described Pakistan’s selective participation in the tournament as inconsistent with the principles of an international sporting event and warned that such a move could damage the spirit of the competition.
“The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the governing body said in a statement.
“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.
Long-term implications
“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency, and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.”
The ICC added that while it recognises governments have a role in national policy, it believes the decision is not in the best interests of cricket or supporters, including fans in Pakistan.
“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 statement continued.
“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 ICC also urged the PCB to seek a “mutually acceptable resolution” to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders and ensure the smooth running of the World Cup.
