Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president and BJP Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take strong action against Pakistan for refusing to play India in the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
While Pakistan has made it clear that it will not go against India, The Indian team is all set to continue as planned. This includes traveling to Colombo and attending all the standard pre-match formalities such as training sessions and the obligatory press conference while waiting for the referee’s final match call.
WHAT DID ANURAG THAKUR SAY?
Speaking on the matter, Thakur highlighted India’s long-standing role in hosting major international tournaments and its contribution to global cricket, both financially and administratively.
“The ICC should take a strong stand against them. India has provided excellent facilities in all the tournaments they have hosted,” Thakur said.
He also highlighted India’s central role in sustaining the sport around the world. “India is a significant contributor to the global cricket community, both financially and in terms of the sport itself,” he added.
Reacting to Pakistan’s refusal to play, Thakur said the ICC must assert its authority and impose severe penalties on the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“If someone does not want to come to India today, make excuses and play politics, then they should take a strong stand against them,” Tagore said.
“Their grants should be stopped and they should be banned for several years from playing against any other country,” he added.
WHY IS PAKISTAN BOYCOTTING INDIA?
The government of Pakistan had earlier issued an official statement on social media confirming that the team will participate in the tournament but will not take the field against India in their group stage encounter scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistan’s decision comes in the wake of Bangladesh’s removal from the country tournament and its replacement by Scotlandafter they refused to travel to India for their scheduled matches. The The Bangladesh Cricket Board wrote to the ICCciting security concerns Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the Indian Premier League following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
WHO IS THE LOSER WHEN PAKISTAN DOESN’T PLAY INDIA?
If Pakistan fails to face India, the reports estimate potential losses of up to $250 million (over $2,200 million)considering that the India-Pakistan clash is the highlight of the tournament.
It remains unclear whether Pakistan would reconsider their stance if the two teams met in the knockout stages. However, reports suggest that The ICC could withhold Pakistan’s share of the revenue—estimated to be around US$35 million — and will use the amount to compensate broadcasters, a move that would directly affect the Pakistan Cricket Board.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
With Pakistan holding firm on their refusal, the matter now rests with the ICC, who are expected to review the situation after consulting with umpires, broadcasters and member boards. India, meanwhile, reiterated that they will follow the tournament schedule and fulfill all match day obligations.
The news indicated that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also signed up for the PCB ask them to reconsider their position and consider how it would affect all parties involved. Although it remains to be seen whether Pakistan might consider a turnaround.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 6, 2026