BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has backed the International Cricket Council’s firm stance on Pakistan’s decision to selectively boycott the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The marquee Group A fixture, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, has become the centre of a widening controversy after the Pakistan government officially announced that its team will not take the field against India.
The move is being widely interpreted as political posturing linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the ICC rejected its request to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds. The ICC has already warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that opting out of a marquee fixture could attract punitive sanctions and harm the broader interests of the game.
“The ICC has issued a big statement on this subject. It has highlighted the element of sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. The BCCI will not make any comment until we speak to the ICC,” Rajeev Shukla said, underlining that India’s board will defer to the global governing body on the issue.
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The controversy dates back to the IPL, when Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders at the BCCI’s direction. That episode escalated into Bangladesh refusing to travel to India for World Cup fixtures, citing security concerns, which eventually led to their removal from the tournament. Pakistan’s subsequent boycott threat has been framed as a show of solidarity, but it has also opened a Pandora’s box for cricket administrators.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the politicisation of sport, calling the episode “disgraceful” and urging stakeholders to step back from brinkmanship. He acknowledged that denying Mustafizur his IPL contract was unfortunate and said Bangladesh’s reaction may have been an overreaction, but warned that the situation is spiralling. Tharoor urged the ICC to act as a platform for urgent dialogue, arguing that cricket cannot be “held to ransom” indefinitely.
The stakes are enormous. An India–Pakistan clash is the most-watched and commercially valuable fixture in any ICC event, driving peak global viewership, sponsorship interest, and broadcast revenues. Industry estimates suggest host broadcasters could lose Rs 200–250 crore in advertising alone if the game is called off, with a 10-second commercial spot during the fixture fetching up to Rs 40 lakh.
Operationally, India will travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled. For a walkover to be awarded, the opposition must present itself for the toss. India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to walk out for the coin toss at the SSC ground in Colombo; if Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not appear, the match referee will award India two points.
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Beyond the immediate fixture, Pakistan could face a raft of consequences, including financial penalties, potential impact on ICC rankings, restrictions on bilateral tours, and even implications for player participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Pakistan begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18 — but the spotlight will remain firmly on February 15, where sport and politics are set to collide on the biggest stage.
