ICC releases statement on India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 contest after Pakistan government’s forfeit

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expecting the board to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of stakeholders regarding playing against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. 

A week before the start of the competition, the government of Pakistan announced that, despite giving the green light to their cricket board to participate in the World Cup, they would forfeit their clash against India, scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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“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. 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.” The ICC released the statement.

ICC warns PCB of mutually acceptable solution for India clash in T20 WC 2026

Pakistan are in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA and is playing all of their games in Sri Lanka, which is a co-host of the event. They play their opening game on February 07 against the Netherlands, which will be the curtain raiser of the event.

“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 interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.” ICC added.

“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. 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.” The governing body concluded.