Pakistan Cricket T20 World Cup 2026 ICC Cricket Cricket News World Cup Updates — ICC expresses concern as Pakistan considers skipping India matches in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.

ICC questions Pakistan over selective World Cup participation stance

ICC urges Pakistan to avoid selective World Cup participation, warning it could harm cricket’s fairness, integrity, and global fans.

By Fahad Last updated Feb 4, 2026

International Cricket Council – (Web Desk) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday expressed concern over Pakistan’s decision to skip matches against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The ICC said that such selective participation threatens the fairness and integrity of international cricket tournaments.

In a statement, the council added that it is waiting for an official response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), noting that all qualified teams are expected to compete equally according to the tournament schedule.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” the governing body said.

Pakistan has taken a clear and unequivocal stance in the T20 World Cup, stating that it will not play against India. Pakistan maintains that sports should remain free from politics and, on this principle, stands in full solidarity with Bangladesh, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pic.twitter.com/GZtyCK2NjY

— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) February 4, 2026

While acknowledging that governments have a role in matters of national policy, the ICC said the reported position was not in the interest of the global game or cricket fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.

The ICC urged the PCB to consider the long-term consequences for cricket in the country, noting that any disruption could affect the wider international cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is a member and beneficiary.

The ICC said its priority remained the successful delivery of the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and stressed that responsibility for the tournament lay with all member boards, including Pakistan.

It added that it expected the PCB to work towards a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.

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Pakistan’s cricket board has not yet publicly responded to the ICC’s remarks.