Mukesh Ambani Mohsin Naqvi. Image Credits: X
Pakistan are adamant on boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India scheduled on February 15 at Colombo. The Pakistan Cricket Board took the call following instructions from the government.
While Pakistan will take part in the tournament, it will not play India. This move has now raised serious legal and financial concerns as both the ICC and official broadcasters are contemplating serious actions.
The fallout could indeed be severe for Pakistan cricket.
Broadcasters may move court against Pakistan over India boycott
The biggest threat to Pakistan comes from broadcasters. According to NDTV, official broadcast partners, led by Mukesh Ambani-owned JioStar, are considering legal action.
The India-Pakistan match is the most valuable fixture in ICC tournaments. Broadcasters were assured multiple Indo-Pak games across this ICC cycle.
However, with the boycott, the broadcasters are not happy. Reports say the boycott has caused major financial damage. Broadcasters reportedly could sue both the PCB and the ICC for breach of contract.
The ICC has already warned Pakistan about the serious implications of selective participation. Officials believe the legal case would be strong, as Pakistan is playing at a neutral venue of its own choice.
However, the ICC is still waiting for a formal written explanation from the PCB.
ICC may cut Pakistan's revenue share heavily
Not only that, but the financial hit could also be massive. Pakistan’s ICC revenue share for the 2024-27 cycle is estimated at around $144 million.
This amounts to nearly PKR 40 billion over four years. Reports say the ICC is considering withholding Pakistan’s entire annual share to compensate broadcasters.
PCB sources reportedly admitted the board is prepared for heavy losses. They also believe any appeal to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee may fail. The ICC’s broadcast deals depend heavily on India-Pakistan matches.
Losing one such game impacts the entire revenue model. Pakistan has reportedly failed to gain support from other cricket boards on this issue.
Shehbaz Sharif confirms boycott, backs Bangladesh
Amid all this, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly confirmed the boycott decision. Addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad, he said the government had taken a clear stand on the India match.
He stated that Pakistan would not play India and called the decision appropriate. Sharif said the move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India.
He added that politics should not mix with sports. Despite the risks, the government believes the stand is justified. For now, Pakistan cricket faces an uncertain future as pressure mounts from all sides.
Pakistan at crossroads now
The situation now places Pakistan cricket at a crossroads. The boycott has turned into more than a political statement. It has become a financial and legal gamble.
With broadcasters unhappy and the ICC warning of strict action, the PCB faces tough days ahead. If the match is not played, losses could hurt domestic cricket and player payments.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Pakistan may still be forced to rethink its stance to avoid long-term damage.
