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ICC plans emergency meeting on Ind-Pak tensions: reports
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to convene a high-level emergency board meeting within the next 48 hours to address rising tensions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources told NDTV.
Sources indicated to NDTV Profit that the PCB may face severe sanctions, potentially including suspension from the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The meeting was prompted by Pakistan’s decision to boycott its upcoming T20 World Cup Group A match against India on February 15, a move that has alarmed global cricket administrators and raised the prospect of unprecedented disciplinary action.
Pakistan on Sunday confirmed it would not participate in its high-profile men’s T20 World Cup group league match against India, a decision that could have serious consequences even though the government approved the team’s participation in the remainder of the tournament starting February 7.
"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government said in a social media post.
The boycott is linked to a political protest following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the ICC declined its request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. The ICC has questioned the Pakistani government’s decision and warned that the boycott could result in punitive measures. The PCB had earlier said it would reassess its participation, showing solidarity with Bangladesh.
Possible repercussions
The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, attracting massive global viewership, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue. The host broadcaster could face losses between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore, as a 10-second commercial slot for the marquee game can cost up to Rs 40 lakh.
While a walkover would grant full points to India, the ICC can impose financial penalties on the PCB. For a walkover to be declared, the opposition team must appear on the field for the coin toss. The Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka, and Suryakumar Yadav will step out for the toss. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not appear, the match referee will award a walkover and two points to India, reports UNB.
Additional sanctions could include docking of World Test Championship points, restrictions on ICC ranking movement, top member nations refusing to tour Pakistan, and limitations on PCB players’ participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).