Why ICC cannot punish Pakistan [Source: AFP Photo]The start of the T20 World Cup is just a few days away, but controversies are not stopping. At the last moment, Pakistan decided to pull out of the India match, scheduled to take place on February 15 in Sri Lanka. This sudden decision came after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the World Cup group stage.On February 1, the government of Pakistan announced that the national team would participate in the T20 World Cup; however, they would not play against India as a mark of protest against the injustice faced by the Bangladesh team as the Tigers refused to travel to India due to security concerns.Why Pakistan cannot be sanction by the ICCThere are reports circulating that, for their actions, Pakistan could face severe consequences, which includes potential ban from future ICC events. However, Ehsan Mani, former PCB and ICC Chairman, has revealed that the governing body (ICC) is in no position to impose any sanction on the Pakistan team.He added that no action could be taken as the decision to boycott the game was taken by the Pakistan government, and not the Pakistan board.“There can’t be any sanctions against Pakistan if it follows the government's instructions. That was the basis on which India refused to play its 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. You can’t have double standards. So, unfortunately, again I come back to the fact that instead of dealing with the problem, the ICC just stood there as a bystander," Mani was quoted as saying by Sportstar.“You left the door open for any country to get its government involved. And especially knowing that the chairman of the PCB is a serving minister of the government," he added.ICC waiting for PCB's official message on IND boycottThe Pakistan government announced its decision via a press release, but the ICC is still waiting for an official response from the PCB. The ICC acknowledged government’s decision, but they have also warned ICC about the potential consequences."While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary."(Chunks taken from ICC statement).What are the consequences ICC is planning for Pakistan cricket?According to several reports, the Pakistan cricket team could face severe ICC punishments for breaching the agreement with the ICC. It was already decided that Pakistan will play all its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, and yet, the team decided to boycott the India clash.The team could be barred from all future ICC tournaments, and could also face points deduction in the WTC standings.The ICC is reportedly planning to impose heavy fines on PCB, and could also take legal and disciplinary action if the team continues to defy the ICC and its final verdict.
