ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has criticised Pakistan’s decision to participate selectively in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, calling it “difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event.”

In a statement issued late Sunday, the ICC stressed that tournaments rely on integrity, competitiveness, and fairness, warning that selective participation undermines the spirit of the competition. It urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to weigh the long-term consequences for Pakistan’s role in the global game.

The reaction followed Pakistan’s announcement that its team would compete in the tournament but would not play the group-stage match against India scheduled for February 15. The decision, made after consultations between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was confirmed through the government’s official X account.

The announcement did not clarify how Pakistan would handle a potential knockout clash with India, leaving organisers and broadcasters uncertain. Analysts described the move as a calibrated stance—avoiding a full boycott but making a political statement by forfeiting points in the high-profile fixture.

The India-Pakistan rivalry remains cricket’s most commercially valuable contest, and Pakistan’s refusal to play could carry financial and competitive repercussions. Experts said the ICC may need to revisit points allocation and scheduling if the two sides meet later in the tournament.

The decision comes amid wider disputes over governance and fairness. Pakistan had earlier expressed solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC rejected Dhaka’s request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. Bangladesh was eventually replaced by Scotland, adding to the controversy surrounding the event.

Pakistan’s campaign will now open against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. The top two teams from the group will progress to the Super Eight stage.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, meeting only in multi-nation tournaments. Under the ICC’s hybrid model for 2024–2027, fixtures involving either country must be staged at neutral venues, which is why Pakistan’s matches in the 2026 World Cup will take place in Sri Lanka.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already criticised the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh venue dispute, and officials say Pakistan’s protest over governance issues shaped the decision to skip the India match.

The 2026 World Cup, featuring 20 teams, will run from February 7 to March 8, with past winners including India, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia.