PCB given $38 million lawsuit threat over India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match boycott

PCB fears hefty sanctions for a potential boycott of IND vs PAK T20 WC clash [Source: X]

The Pakistan Cricket Board could be dragged to court by the broadcasters for compensation if the men's team boycotts the high-profile clash against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Recently, the ICC removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup after the BCB refused to send the team to India for the marquee event. After Bangladesh's official ouster, the PCB launched a revolt against the ICC, even threatening to withdraw from the competition. 

Despite announcing a solid 15-member squad, Pakistan has yet to confirm its participation in the T20 World Cup 2026. According to the latest update issued by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB will take a final call by Monday after discussing the matter with the Pakistani government. 

PCB mulling over boycotting India-Pakistan match despite ICC warning

The ICC has already issued an ultimatum to the PCB, threatening severe sanctions if the PCB withdraws from the T20 World Cup. Besides sidelining Pakistan from bilateral cricket, the ICC could also ban the overseas players' NOCs for PSL if the PCB doesn't send its team to Sri Lanka for the showpiece event. 

Such a devastating consequence prevents the PCB from thinking of boycotting the entire tournament, although Pakistan is slated to play all its matches outside India. However, Pakistan still sees an opportunity to harm the BCCI's financial interests by not playing India in the T20 World Cup. 

Pakistan knows that the ICC, as well as the BCCI, eagerly await the mega clash, which is a major source of revenue for global cricket, thanks to the age-old rivalry between the two countries. In such a scenario, boycotting the India encounter would help the PCB to not only present itself as an authoritative cricketing body but also restore Pakistan’s political ties with Bangladesh despite past horrors. 

Broadcasters could file lawsuit worth millions if Pakistan pulls out of India clash

However, even if it wants, the PCB can't say no to the India encounter, as such a step can lead the board into financial turmoil. As reported by RevSportz and Hindustan Times, the broadcasters might lose a whopping 38 million US Dollars if the high-voltage India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match is scrapped. 

In such a scenario, chances are high that the broadcasters, who are looking to churn a massive amount through branded shows, sponsorship integrations, and ad slots, could sue the PCB with a lawsuit worth crores if it pulls out from the T20 World Cup face-off against India. 

Pakistan left with no option but to face India in T20 World Cup 2026

Therefore, although the PCB wants to stand by the BCB and pull out of the India clash in solidarity with Bangladesh, it will be a huge risk to pull this off. This move can have disastrous consequences for Pakistan cricket, leaving it cornered in world cricket and costing it a hefty sum in compensation. So, although the PCB has yet to make it official, there's a higher possibility that Pakistan will eventually decide to play against India and avoid the ICC sanctions.