Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: While speculation is rife about the sanctions the International Cricket Council (ICC) could potentially levy on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup group match against India on February 15, no concrete steps have yet been taken by the global body to address the issue.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, any discussion on sanctions would ordinarily take place at an ICC Board meeting, which comprises representatives from the 12 Full Member boards, three Associate Member representatives and the ICC chair. However, the ICC has not so far alerted its Board about any emergency meeting to deliberate on the matter. The report added that the PCB has also indicated it is unlikely to formally respond in writing to the ICC regarding the boycott or the reasons behind the government’s stance.
As things stand, the status quo continues around Pakistan’s threat to skip the high-profile February 15 match in Colombo. Despite strong statements from the ICC that it will not tolerate selective participation, there is no indication yet of an imminent Board-level discussion.
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A Cricbuzz report also echoed similar sentiments, stating that there are 16 members on the ICC Board and, according to multiple directors spoken to by the publication, there is no information about any Board meeting being scheduled. Crucially, the report noted that the PCB has not formally written to the ICC about forfeiting the India game. At present, the only written indication of the boycott is an X post from the Government of Pakistan, which does not constitute official communication.Cricbuzz further reported that there is a growing impression that the PCB may eventually fall in line. It cited last year’s Asia Cup, when Pakistan confirmed participation in a match barely half an hour before the start after threatening to pull out through the day.The ICC, meanwhile, has reiterated its position, stating that selective participation “is difficult to reconcile” with the principles of sporting integrity, competitiveness and fairness that underpin ICC events, warning that such actions undermine the spirit and sanctity of global tournaments.
