Reports: Pakistan finds no support from other boards over India game boycott in T20 World Cup

Pakistan Cricket Board Logo (Source /Getty Images)

With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to start by February 7, Pakistan’s latest move has added another layer of uncertainty to an already tense build-up. According to reports, Pakistan has failed to garner support from other cricket boards after attempting to raise concerns linked to its standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC), further isolating itself at a critical juncture for global cricket.

Earlier, the Pakistan government had made it clear via a social media statement, saying that the national team would take part in the T20 World Cup but would not take the field on February 15 for their scheduled match against India. The announcement followed Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament, which was attributed to security concerns.

The Men in Green are set to play all of their matches in Sri Lanka under an existing agreement between India and Pakistan, which allows the arch-rivals to contest ICC tournaments at neutral venues through 2027.

Despite speculation and growing chatter around Pakistan’s position, the PCB made no formal communication regarding the selective participation with the ICC until Sunday. Instead, the board reportedly reached out to several other ICC member nations in an attempt to rally support on the issue. However, the response appears to have been overwhelmingly dismissive.

Senior cricket journalist Boria Majumdar shed light on how events unfolded behind the scenes and the reaction Pakistan received from the global cricketing community.

“Till late last night [Monday], Pakistan had not formally reached out to the ICC. But the development is they tried reaching out to multiple other cricket boards yesterday. And every cricket board more or less shunned Pakistan with the same stance that they have no locus standi in this matter. And they are unnecessarily trying to politicize the issue and create a big crisis for global cricket when the World Cup around the corner and the warm-up games have all started,” Boria reported via RevSportz.

The strong pushback reportedly stems from the view that Pakistan lacks formal standing to challenge the matter at this stage, especially with tournament preparations already underway. Warm-up matches have begun, logistical arrangements are locked in, and broadcasters and teams are fully aligned with the ICC’s existing framework.

Cricket boards, as per the report, were particularly concerned about the timing of Pakistan’s outreach. With the World Cup nearing, any disruption could have financial, logistical, and competitive consequences for multiple stakeholders, not just one member nation.

The lack of external support now places Pakistan in a difficult position. India boycott, without backing from fellow boards, the PCB’s options to influence or escalate the issue appear limited. The ICC, meanwhile, is unlikely to revisit decisions unless there is a collective push from member nations, which currently seems improbable.

As things stand, there has been no change in the tournament schedule, and the ICC has not made any formal announcements in the matter.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.