Chennai, Feb 1 (.) The Pakistan Cricket Board’s stand on selective participation in the ICC T20 World Cup
beginning next week in India and Sri Lanka was difficult to reconcile as it undermines the spirit and sanctity
of the competitions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said late on Sunday night.
The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its
national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position 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 per the event schedule, ICC noted.
It said the ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and
selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
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, it said.
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 of.
The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which should also be the
responsibility of all its members including the PCB.
It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.
. GV 2325