PCB formally notifies ICC of decision to skip match against India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the national team will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in Colombo.

Sources confirmed that the PCB’s communication reflects a clear government directive, instructing the team to boycott the high-profile fixture.

The decision comes in the wake of Bangladesh’s withdrawal from matches against India, a move that heightened regional tensions and drew solidarity statements from Islamabad.

The ICC has acknowledged the PCB’s response and is actively engaging with the board, while also seeking explanations of Pakistan’s legal cause.

To mediate, the ICC has reportedly reached out to other cricket boards, including Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which has urged Pakistan to reconsider, warning that skipping the India match would hurt the tournament’s integrity and financial stakes.

The India–Pakistan clash remains the most lucrative fixture in cricket, generating millions in broadcast, sponsorship, and advertising revenue. A cancellation would carry significant financial and sporting repercussions, including points forfeiture and impact on Pakistan’s net run rate.

With bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan suspended for over a decade, encounters now only occur in global or regional tournaments, making this World Cup fixture particularly significant.

As the February 15 showdown approaches, Pakistan’s firm stance has thrown the cricketing world into a high-stakes negotiation, with the ICC balancing diplomacy, regulation, and commercial interests in an unprecedented situation.