Pakistan on Sunday refused to play the T20 World Cup match against India. The Pakistani government has approved the national team to play in the global tournament, which begins on February 7th, but has refused to play against India. Pakistan is staging a boycott, but it could face serious consequences.
What did the Pakistani government say?
The Pakistani government wrote on the 'X', "The Pakistan cricket team will not take the field in the match against India on February 15th."
The statement did not provide any reason for the boycott against India.
This decision, announced through an official statement issued by the government, is being seen as a political protest related to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament.
The global cricket body had rejected Bangladesh's request to move the match from India to Sri Lanka, which is why the team was excluded from the tournament.
Pakistan will be taught a lesson!
The ICC questioned the Pakistan government's decision and warned that the boycott could result in punitive sanctions. The global cricket body said in a statement, "The ICC hopes the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications this could have on cricket in its country, as it is likely to impact the global cricket system, of which it is a member and beneficiary. The ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, but this decision is not in the best interests of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions of fans in Pakistan."
ICC's response to Pakistan
Regarding the Pakistan government's decision, the ICC stated that it is awaiting official communication from the PCB, but added that this approach of selective participation is contrary to the spirit of any global sporting event.
According to the ICC, in a world-class tournament, all eligible teams participate on equal terms as per the scheduled schedule.
The ICC further stated, "ICC tournaments are based on the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, consistency, and fairness." The ICC clarified that its top priority is the successful organization of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, for which all member countries, including the PCB, are responsible.
The global cricket body had expected the PCB to find a mutually agreed solution while protecting the interests of all stakeholders.
Losses will be difficult to compensate.
Cricket fans in both countries are highly enthusiastic about the India-Pakistan match. This is a key match in the ICC tournament, watched by viewers worldwide and generating significant sponsorship and broadcast revenue. Pakistan's boycott of this match could result in significant advertising revenue losses for the host broadcaster, estimated at between ₹200 and ₹250 crore. A 10-second commercial slot for this match costs up to ₹40 lakh.
India will benefit from Pakistan's boycott.
India will benefit from Pakistan's boycott. If Pakistan does not play the match, India will receive two points, while the ICC will also have the right to impose penalties on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). To secure a walkover, the Indian team must be present on the field during the toss, and the Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka for the match. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is not present for the toss, the match referee will award India two points.
What will be the impact on Pakistan?
A boycott of this match could have serious repercussions for Pakistan.
It is likely that Pakistan's World Test Championship (WTC) points will be deducted.
Pakistan will also suffer a loss in the ICC rankings.
Top teams from ICC member countries will be able to refuse to travel to Pakistan.
It is also possible that players from other teams may be barred from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
According to news agency PTI, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will soon provide detailed information to the media on this matter. The source said it will be interesting to see what reason the PCB gives for the government not allowing them to play the match with India on February 15, and whether it was a unilateral decision of the government or the PCB was also involved in it, information can also be obtained in this regard.
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