International Cricket Council warns of severe consequences after Pakistan boycott decision
The upcoming T20 World Cup has been hit by a major controversy. The Pakistan government has officially instructed its national team not to play against India in the group-stage fixture. Although the government cleared the team to participate in the rest of the tournament, they are strictly forbidden from taking the field for the high-voltage clash in Colombo on February 15.
This shocking announcement came just hours before the Pakistan squad was scheduled to fly to Sri Lanka. The decision appears to be a protest in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were recently replaced in the tournament by Scotland.
ICC Issues Stern Warning
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed deep disappointment over this move. In a strong statement, the world body noted that "selective participation" harms the spirit of global sports. The ICC warned that such a boycott could lead to long-term damage for Pakistan cricket. While the world body respects national policies, they emphasized that this decision is not in the interest of millions of fans, including those in Pakistan.
BCCI and Broadcaster Impact
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already made all necessary arrangements for the match. According to officials, Team India will travel to Colombo as planned and follow all ICC protocols. If Pakistan fails to show up, India will likely be awarded two points.
The financial stakes are also incredibly high. Broadcasters are facing potential losses of hundreds of crores, as the India vs Pakistan match is the most-watched event in cricket. Advertisement rates for this specific game are among the highest in the world.
Historical Context and Sanctions
Historically, teams have boycotted matches due to government orders, such as England in 2003 or Australia in 1996. However, the ICC is now considering strict sanctions. These could include financial penalties, withholding revenue, or even banning international players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). For now, cricket fans across Odisha and the world are waiting to see if a resolution can be reached before the February 15 deadline.
Image Source: Al Jazeera
