On India First, Gaurav Sawant examines the growing crisis in international cricket after Pakistan announced it would boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match against India. While Pakistan has confirmed participation in the tournament, its refusal to face India in Sri Lanka has opened the door to possible ICC sanctions.
Nikhil Naaz points to the financial imbalance and warns that while India can absorb a 10% loss, the Pakistan Cricket Board could suffer losses of up to 70%. The program outlines risks for Pakistan, including forfeiture of its share of $34 million in ICC revenue, loss of hosting rights and increasing international isolation.
Team India reiterated their commitment to the scheduled match, even as the ICC is expected to convene a board meeting to look into Pakistan’s selective participation. The report notes that the decision to boycott – taken by a government in which the PCB chief also serves as home minister – could ultimately backfire and leave Pakistan isolated within the global cricket community.