Former cricketer Basit Ali stated that Pakistan’s decision not to face India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 could harm Cricket. The Pakistan government has allowed participation in the tournament but has imposed a ban on playing against India during the group stage match scheduled for February 15. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to notify the International Cricket Council (ICC) about this stance, sparking a new debate. If Pakistan sticks to this position, India will earn two points automatically. Basit emphasized that this situation would negatively impact the sport.
“If the game between India and Pakistan does not happen and India receives two points, it will hurt cricket and its future,” he remarked. The ICC has encouraged Pakistan to reconsider, as this decision could have serious implications for the sport. Pakistan may face penalties and lawsuits from the ICC and broadcasters for opting out of the match.
Basit noted that the Pakistani government might compensate the PCB for any financial losses.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board is not facing financial issues. The government has directed them to avoid the match against India and will provide support to the PCB,” he said.
JioHotstar is prepared to take action against the PCB if the much-anticipated match is canceled.
According to PTI, the ICC plans to withhold around USD 35 million from Pakistan’s yearly earnings and distribute it to the broadcasters. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, consulted legal experts prior to meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
“Pakistan will encounter financial penalties and lawsuits from JioHotstar if they do not face India,” a PCB source informed PTI.
