ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday warned Pakistan of “long-term implications” if they boycotted a Feb. 15 T20 World Cup match against arch-rival India.
Pakistan’s government confirmed on Sunday the national side will take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but it won’t play a group stage match against India scheduled for Feb. 15.
The controversy over Pakistan’s participation erupted after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, following Bangladesh’s decision to not play matches in India owing to security fears.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi last week hinted at an outright boycott of the event in protest over the ICC’s decision to reject Bangladesh’s demand to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka.
“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 global cricket governing body said late Sunday.
“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 tournament will be played from Feb. 7 to Mar. 8 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with matches being played across both countries and the final scheduled in Ahmedabad.
Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 and only face each other in multi-nation events. Under a deal signed last year, India and Pakistan agreed not to travel to each other’s countries in cases where either hosts an ICC event, instead playing at neutral venues.
Pakistan’s refusal to play against India, who they have already played at neutral venues in Sri Lanka, is likely to have severe financial implications.
“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,” the ICC said, adding that it expects the PCB to explore a “mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”
