ICC Contemplates 'Suspending' Pakistan As T20 WC 'India Boycott' Row Deepens

The T20 World Cup 2026 has become a battleground between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the global body now preparing for a meeting that could change the map of world cricket forever. Outside, the clock is ticking: 48 hours remain before the governing body is expected to drop a verdict that might leave the PCB in total isolation. Sources have told NDTV that the Jay Shah-led ICC is contemplating imposing severe sanctions on Pakistan after the nation announced a boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India on 15 February, in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland in the biennial event.

The tension, which had been simmering since the removal of Bangladesh, reached a boiling point on Sunday. In a move that stunned the cricketing world, the Pakistani government cleared its team to travel to Sri Lanka but made a "selective participation" announcement. The Pakistani government's official X (formerly Twitter) account clarified that its team has received the go-ahead for participation in the T20 World Cup, but it has been barred from taking the field against India on 15 February.

The PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, framed this as a stand of solidarity with Bangladesh, whose request to move matches out of India was rejected by the ICC. To Pakistan, it was a matter of principle; to the rest of the world, it felt like a wrecking ball swung at the heart of the tournament's commercial and sporting integrity.

Historically, India has faced immense pressure to boycott fixtures against Pakistan due to geopolitical tensions. Despite this, the Indian team fulfilled its 2025 Asia Cup fixture in Pakistan, with the BCCI prioritising the stability of associate members and the global game. However, when required to reciprocate this commitment, Pakistan chose political posturing over sporting integrity.

Potential Sanctions:

In its statement on Sunday, the ICC urged the PCB to review its stance or risk facing severe sanctions. If the Pakistan board does not blink within the next 48 hours, the sanctions on the table could be:

Full Suspension: Similar to the 1970s South Africa era, barring Pakistan from all international competition.

The "NOC" Freeze: Refusing to grant No Objection Certificates for foreign stars to play in the PSL, effectively crippling Pakistan's premier domestic league.

Financial Withholding: Freezing Pakistan's share of ICC revenue, estimated at roughly $34.5 million annually.

Back-Channel Diplomacy

NDTV sources have also confirmed that behind-the-scenes discussions are taking place to resolve the crisis, especially as the T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin in less than a week's time. Diplomatic channels have been opened, with stakeholders trying to broker a last-minute face-saver.

The goal remains to find a way for Pakistan to take the field on 15 February. However, a similar warning was given to Bangladesh, but their government refused to budge on its stance. The result: Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament.