Pakistan risk ICC ban if they boycott match against India:Pak may get eliminated from group stage, loss of ₹200 crore in revenue

Pakistan has refused to play against India in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, creating a major controversy just days before the tournament. On Sunday, the Pakistan government stated that while the team will participate in the World Cup, it will not face India under any circumstances. Following this announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision. The refusal has raised several questions about the impact this move could have on Pakistan’s campaign and its future in international cricket. According to ICC rules, boycotting a match carries consequences and may seriously damage Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. With the ICC now seeking an explanation from PCB, Pakistan could face sporting, financial and administrative losses if the decision is not reversed. Notably, Pakistan have defeated India only once in World Cup history, making the boycott even more controversial. Now, if Pakistan boycotts the clash against India, both the teams will lose ₹200 crore in revenue, according to the Cricbuzz report. What will impact Pakistan if it boycotts the match against India? Impact-1: Risk of elimination from group stage As per ICC playing conditions, boycotting a match directly affects a team’s net run rate. Clause 16.10.7 states that if Pakistan refuses to play, they will be given 0 runs in 20 overs, while India’s overs will not be counted at all. This will push Pakistan’s net run rate into the negative zone. Also read: Yuvraj Singh’s heated argument with Andrew Flintoff in 2007: Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India – 5 controversies in T20 World Cup history In Group A, Pakistan are placed alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. If Pakistan lose even one of their remaining three matches, they could be eliminated from the group stage. The USA had already knocked Pakistan out in the previous World Cup, while the Netherlands had caused several major upsets in ICC tournaments. Impact-2: ICC may impose a ban on Pakistan from the World Cup The ICC has officially asked PCB to reconsider its stand. If Pakistan fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for boycotting the match, the ICC has the authority to ban them from the World Cup itself. In the past, five teams have boycotted matches in ICC events, and such actions have always invited strict scrutiny from the governing body. Pakistan now risks facing similar punishment. Impact-3: PSL may not get NOC Pakistan cannot cite security concerns, as all their matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, not India. Even if PCB claims political reasons or support for Bangladesh, the ICC may still take action. Earlier, the ICC had warned PCB that if Pakistan supported Bangladesh in similar matters, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) would not be granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This could severely impact Pakistan’s domestic cricket economy. Impact-4: What If India reaches the knockout stage? PCB has refused to play India in the group stage, but it has not clarified what will happen if India face Pakistan in the knockout rounds. ICC sources told Dainik Bhaskar that Pakistan will again be asked to explain its position. If PCB fails to justify its decision, strict action will be taken. This uncertainty creates confusion for tournament scheduling and competitive fairness. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reacted to the decision, saying: “We just want to play the World Cup. If the government has refused to play against any team, we will follow that. We are focusing on showing our 100% game in the tournament.” Also read: Pakistan will boycott match against India in T20 World Cup: ICC issues response saying it ‘expects PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution’ Impact-5: Difficulty in getting future ICC hosting rights Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy in 2025, its first ICC event in 29 years. However, refusing to play India may cost Pakistan future hosting opportunities. India-Pakistan matches generate massive revenue for the ICC. Without these matches, ICC earnings could drop. To balance the loss, ICC may reduce Pakistan’s annual revenue share and avoid awarding them future tournaments.