Overview:
In cricketing terms, Pakistan’s absence would hand India a walkover, though it would not prevent the ICC from punishing the PCB.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has supported the ICC’s warning to Pakistan, backing the view that selectively opting out of the India clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 could invite serious consequences.
Pakistan’s stance, announced through a formal government statement, has largely been interpreted as a political signal tied to Bangladesh’s exit from the competition. Bangladesh were dropped from the T20 World Cup after the ICC rejected their request to move fixtures from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns.
The ICC has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that staying away from the marquee fixture could lead to disciplinary action, stressing that such a step is against the wider interests of the sport.
“The ICC has come out with a strong statement, stressing the importance of sportsmanship. We are fully aligned with that view. The BCCI will refrain from commenting further until we have spoken to the ICC,” Shukla said.
The issue can be traced back to the release of the Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, a move said to have been prompted by the BCCI. Bangladesh then declined to tour India over security concerns, triggering a sequence of events that eventually led to Pakistan’s stance.
The India–Pakistan encounter continues to be the biggest draw at ICC tournaments, driving unmatched viewership, sponsorship pull and broadcast value. A cancellation could hit the host broadcaster hard, with advertising losses estimated at Rs 200–250 crore.
In cricketing terms, Pakistan’s absence would hand India a walkover, though it would not prevent the ICC from punishing the PCB. As per competition rules, the opposing team needs to be present for the toss to get a walkover.
The Indian side will proceed with its travel plans to Sri Lanka, with Suryakumar Yadav scheduled to lead the team for the toss. In the absence of Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, officials would award India a walkover, along with the full points.