Cricket
The ICC has cautioned Pakistan after the government allowed participation in T20 World Cup 2026 but reportedly denied permission to play the Group A match against India.
Pakistan’s government cleared the team to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament but not to play India on February 15 in Colombo. No official reason was given.
The ICC said selective participation goes against the spirit of global tournaments and undermines sporting integrity. It also said it is still waiting for official confirmation from the PCB.
If Pakistan boycott the India match, they could lose two points and suffer a net run rate hit under ICC playing conditions, which could affect qualification chances.
India-Pakistan matches generate the highest viewership and revenue in ICC events. Both teams have been kept in the same group since 2012 despite no bilateral cricket.
The ICC hopes the PCB will find a solution that protects the tournament’s integrity. Pakistan are set to begin their campaign on February 7, with all matches scheduled in Sri Lanka.
Cricket