Overview:
The governing body emphasized that its immediate priority was ensuring the successful hosting of the T20 World Cup.
The uncertainty around Pakistan’s T20 World Cup stance continues. While the government confirmed the team’s participation in the upcoming global tournament, it also decided to pull out of the February 15 match against India. According to information accessed by NDTV, Pakistan does not want to respond to the ICC about skipping its T20 World Cup fixture against India. With no formal correspondence submitted to the ICC, officials are yet to determine their next steps.
On Sunday, the ICC cautioned that any move by the Pakistan Cricket Board to take part in the Men’s T20 World Cup on a selective basis could trigger serious implications, both for the PCB and for international cricket at large.
Reacting to the Pakistan government’s directive to say no to the fixture against India in Colombo, the ICC stated that opting out of a scheduled match is against the core framework of a global tournament, where all qualified teams are required to follow the rules.
“Until the ICC receives formal clarification from the Pakistan Cricket Board, the idea of partial participation remains at odds with the core principle of a global tournament, where every qualified side is required to play under the same conditions,” the governing body stated.
The ICC emphasized that its tournaments are built on fairness and competitiveness, and warned that partial participation could damage the spirit and integrity of the game
“The ICC hopes that the PCB will carefully consider the significant and long-term impact on cricket in Pakistan, as this could affect the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both a member and a beneficiary.”
Without directly questioning Islamabad’s decision, the ICC stated: “While the ICC acknowledges the role of governments in national policy matters, this decision is not in the best interest of the global game or the well-being of fans around the world, including millions in Pakistan.” The governing body emphasized that its immediate priority was ensuring the successful hosting of the T20 World Cup.
“The ICC’s main focus is the successful organization of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and this responsibility should be shared by all its members, including the PCB.
“The ICC also urges the PCB to seek a mutually agreeable solution that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders,” it continued.