Pakistan government declares legal war against ICC; Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB ready to retaliate

Mohsin Naqvi and Jay Shah [Source: X]The Pakistan versus India boycott drama has taken another twist, with the Pakistan Cricket Board taking a legal route in the matter. Earlier, the International Cricket Council warned Pakistan via an official statement that there will be serious implications if Pakistan do not comply and play the February 15 match against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board is now sorting out a counter-attack policy to counter the ICC. For the unaware, earlier the Pakistan government intimated via its social media account that the team will not take the field on February 15 during the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. PCB seeks legal route to counter ICC’s decision As per recent reports, it was also found that the PCB is yet to write an official letter of withdrawal from the February 15 match, and the ICC responded by informing the PCB of serious consequences, as selective participation will not be accepted. Responding to the ICC's threats, as per TelecomAsia.net, PCB sources told the media outlet that the Pakistan government has taken legal advice on the consequences and will back the board against any possible ICC action. India example quoted upon official letter requestThe Shehbaz Sharif-led government also met former PCB chief Najam Sethi before meeting Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore on Sunday, where Sethi advised the Prime Minister to take strong action against India. It was quoted that India also backed out of an agreement in 2016 without facing serious consequences. "Sethi also advised the PM to take strong action against India, as under Sethi's chairmanship India also backed out of an agreement in 2016," the report said, quoting sources. The PCB highlighted that it will counter any ICC meeting, with Mohsin Naqvi allowing a lawyer to accompany the team and officials for any meeting with the ICC to take the issue head-on. Pakistan government adamant on not sending ICC official letter Responding to the issue of official communication, PCB sources said that since the decision not to play against India is a government decision and has been conveyed through an official platform, there is no need to write to the ICC. The source further cited that India’s decision to not come to Pakistan was never formally conveyed to the ICC, and hence the PCB remains adamant about not writing an official letter to the apex cricket body. “Did India at any point convey to the ICC that they would not travel to Pakistan? And when it was once demanded of India to show the government's letter, they never produced it. So is there a need to give anything in writing? No," said the source. Later, it was also revealed that even though the ICC is demanding a letter from the PCB regarding the matter, the PCB is firm on not sending it and keeping the issue alive. “Since it's a government decision and conveyed through an official platform, there is no need to write to the ICC,” the source added. It was also made clear that if the ICC appeals for an amicable solution to avoid the boycott, Pakistan will not shift from its stance, as the decision has been taken at the government level.