The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed concern over Pakistan’s reported decision to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, warning that such a stance undermines the integrity and spirit of global cricket tournaments.
In a media release, the ICC said it had taken note of a statement by the Government of Pakistan indicating that the national team has been instructed to selectively participate in the tournament. The ICC said it is still awaiting official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The ICC said 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 and adhere 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 ICC said.
While acknowledging the role of governments in matters of national policy, the ICC said the decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of cricket fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
The governing body further urged the PCB to consider the significant long-term implications for cricket in Pakistan, warning that such a move could impact the wider global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is a member and beneficiary.
The ICC said its priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and stressed that this responsibility rests with all member boards, including the PCB. It added that it expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
The statement follows an announcement by the Pakistan government that the national team will not play India in their scheduled T20 World Cup match in Colombo on March 15. (Newswire)
ICC Statement on ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Media release
The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of 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.
ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.
The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which should also be the responsibility of all its members including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.