Pakistan's New 'Email' Drama, A Day After Boycotting T20 World Cup Match vs India

The drama surrounding Pakistan and its T20 World Cup plans is not ending. On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced on its official X handle that it will compete in the T20 World Cup 2026 but will boycott the group-stage match against India on February 15. Now, sources have confirmed to NDTV that Pakistan will not send any formal email to the ICC regarding boycotting the T20 World Cup match against India. This means the drama over the boycott will continue. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is still waiting for an official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The absence of such communication will mean that the ICC may also have to wait before deciding its next course of action.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday warned the Pakistan Cricket Board's reported position of "selective participation" in the Men's T20 World Cup could have far-reaching consequences for the PCB and the global cricket ecosystem.

Taking note of the statement issued by the Pakistan government instructing its national team of boycotting the T20 World Cup group league game against India in Colombo on February 15, the ICC said such a move was incompatible with the basic principles of a world event where all qualified sides are expected to compete under a common schedule.

"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," the world body said in a strongly-worded statement.

The ICC stressed that its events are founded on "sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness" and any deviation from full participation would undermine the "spirit and sanctity" of its competitions.

Significantly, the apex body cautioned the PCB to weigh the long-term repercussions of such a stance on cricket in Pakistan itself.

"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 statement read, making it clear that the matter could affect Pakistan's standing within the international framework.

Without directly challenging Islamabad's directive, the ICC stated: "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 governing body reiterated that its immediate focus remained the smooth staging of the T20 World Cup and that safeguarding the event was a collective responsibility of all member boards.

"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 also expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders," it added.

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