Reports: ICC to ban Pakistan from international cricket after India game boycott

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to take extreme action against Pakistan following its decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While Pakistan will participate in the tournament, the selective refusal to play India has triggered backlash. According to sources, the decision has not gone down well with member boards, with the possibility of Pakistan being barred from international cricket now being seriously discussed.

Pakistan’s decision comes from the ICC’s earlier step to remove Bangladesh from the 2026 T20 World Cup after they refused to play matches in India, citing security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was the lone member backing Bangladesh at the ICC Board meeting and accused the governing body of favouring India.

Following this, the Pakistani government approved participation in the World Cup but directed the team not to play India in the February 15 group-stage clash in Colombo. Notably, the team will still travel to Sri Lanka and play the rest of their Group A fixtures, making the boycott selective rather than a full withdrawal.

ICC yet to receive an official communication from the PCB

According to RevSportz reports, ICC member boards are extremely frustrated by Pakistan’s stance. Sources state that an ICC Board meeting is likely to be convened within 48 to 72 hours, possibly on Tuesday or Wednesday, to discuss the issue. Although the ICC has not yet received an official communication from the PCB, backchannel talks among member boards have already begun.

Notably, the potential consequences for Pakistan could be severe. Reports indicate that sanctions under consideration include suspension from international cricket, withdrawal of ICC central funding, freezing of ICC rankings, loss of World Test Championship points, and even restrictions on foreign players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). There is also a possibility of leading cricketing nations refusing to tour Pakistan in the future.

Furthermore, financial implications could be immense. The India-Pakistan match is the most commercially valuable fixture of the tournament, with estimates suggesting a loss of INR 200-250 crore in broadcasting and advertising revenue if the game is forfeited. Broadcasters may also pursue legal action against the PCB for breach of contractual obligations.

In an official statement, the ICC warned that selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event. The governing body emphasised that such actions undermine sporting integrity and fairness, while asking the PCB to consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan.