ICC, PCB Begin Back-Channel Talks After Pakistan Boycotts India Match in T20 World Cup: Report

New Delhi: Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup group-stage match against India has reportedly triggered back-channel discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), amid fears of major financial losses.

On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced that its national team would not play the highly anticipated group match against India, scheduled for February 15 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. According to reports, the move could result in losses exceeding $250 million for world cricket.

As per a report by Dawn, several other cricket boards have also expressed support for the ICC’s efforts to engage with the PCB and find a resolution.

It remains unclear whether Pakistan will face sanctions for the decision. However, the ICC has urged the PCB to carefully consider the serious and long-term consequences if the boycott proceeds.

Following Pakistan’s announcement, the ICC released a strongly worded statement on Sunday, calling on the PCB to work towards a mutually acceptable solution and warning that selective participation goes against the core principles of international competition.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this stance of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms according to the event schedule,” the ICC said.

“The ICC hopes that the PCB will reflect on the significant and long-term implications for cricket within its own country, as such a move could impact the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both a member and a beneficiary,” the statement added.

Pakistan has been placed in Group A along with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. All of Pakistan’s group matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside India.

With inputs from IANS