The International Cricket Council has issued a strong response after the Government of Pakistan said it would instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - a move that includes not taking the field for the high-profile match against India.
In an official statement released on Monday, the ICC said it "notes" the government's position but stressed that 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.”
The ICC added that its tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and warned that selective participation "undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions."
ICC awaiting PCB's official stance
While acknowledging that governments have roles in national policy decisions, the ICC said the move is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans — including "millions in Pakistan." The ICC also confirmed it is still awaiting official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board on the matter.
The governing body urged the PCB to consider the long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan, noting that the decision could impact the broader global cricket ecosystem, "which it is itself a member and beneficiary of."
ICC calls for resolution
The ICC reiterated that its priority remains the successful delivery of the tournament and said this should be a shared responsibility of all members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to work towards a "mutually acceptable resolution" that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
The situation remains developing, with attention now turning to the PCB’s next step - and whether Pakistan's participation in the tournament, including the scheduled India fixture, will proceed as per the official match schedule.
