9 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The controversy surrounding a potential boycott of the India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup intensified on Tuesday, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi seeking clarity from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over reports and political statements hinting at a boycott.
The high-profile clash between India and Pakistan is one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket, drawing massive global viewership and significant commercial interest. Any disruption to the match has wide-ranging sporting, financial, and diplomatic implications.
What Mohsin Naqvi Asked the ICC
According to sources, Mohsin Naqvi directly approached senior ICC officials to ask whether the global governing body had received any formal communication or request from the Indian side regarding a possible boycott of the India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup.
Naqvi reportedly sought clarity on three key points:
- Whether the ICC had been officially informed of India’s intention to skip the fixture
- Whether the match schedule could be altered under political or external pressure
- What contingency plans the ICC had in place if a team refused to play a scheduled match
PCB officials stressed that Pakistan is fully prepared to play the match as scheduled and expects the ICC to uphold its tournament regulations.
ICC’s Stand So Far
ICC sources indicated that no official request or written communication regarding a boycott had been received at the time of Naqvi’s inquiry. The governing body reiterated its long-standing position that World Cup fixtures are governed by ICC rules, and any team refusing to play without valid reasons could face serious consequences, including:
- Forfeiture of match points
- Financial penalties
- Possible disciplinary action under ICC’s code of conduct
The ICC is understood to be keen on ensuring the tournament proceeds smoothly without political interference.
Pakistan PM’s Statement Adds Fuel
The row gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister publicly stated that Pakistan would stand with Bangladesh if there was a “considered stance” to boycott matches involving India. The comment triggered widespread debate and speculation, with cricketing circles questioning whether political positions were beginning to influence on-field commitments.
PCB insiders later clarified that no decision to boycott has been taken and that Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains unchanged.
India’s Position
On the Indian side, officials have maintained silence, with no formal statement issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, sources close to the board suggest that India intends to follow ICC protocols and await official guidance rather than respond to political narratives.
Former Indian cricketers and administrators have urged both nations to keep cricket separate from politics, especially during ICC events.
Impact on the T20 World Cup
The India-Pakistan match is considered the commercial backbone of ICC tournaments. Broadcasters, sponsors, and advertisers rely heavily on the fixture, which consistently breaks global viewership records.
Experts warn that any boycott could:
- Affect tournament revenues
- Damage ICC’s credibility
- Set a dangerous precedent for future global events
Cricket analysts have also pointed out that fans across both countries overwhelmingly want the match to go ahead.
What Happens Next?
As of now:
- The match remains on the official T20 World Cup schedule
- ICC has not triggered any contingency plan
- PCB has sought formal assurances from ICC
- BCCI has not issued a public response
The situation remains fluid, with ICC officials expected to hold internal discussions to prevent further escalation.
Conclusion
Mohsin Naqvi’s approach to the ICC underscores Pakistan’s desire for clarity and fairness as the boycott row simmers. With no official request for withdrawal on record, the ICC is likely to push for adherence to its rules, keeping the India-Pakistan clash intact—at least for now.
All eyes remain on the ICC’s next move and whether cricketing diplomacy can prevail over political tensions.
Summary
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi sought clarification from ICC on reports of an India-Pakistan match boycott at the T20 World Cup, as ICC said no formal request had been received.