Pakistan to decide on T20 World Cup boycott over Bangladesh ‘injustice’

The PCB had a meeting with the Pakistan government on Monday and will take the final decision on whether to boycott the World Cup. Naqvi cast doubt on Pakistan’s participation in supporting Bangladesh, saying what happened to them was an “injustice”. He cited what is deemed the dominance of India in decision-making within the ICC, cricket’s world governing body.

Should Pakistan withdraw from the tournament, it would have significant implications. It would mean there is no clash between India and Pakistan, which is by far the biggest match-up of any global tournament, drawing the largest number of viewers.

There is a $3billion broadcast deal in place with JioStar sports that runs until the end of 2027, the income from which is distributed among all ICC members, but that valuation was predicated on there being at least one match between India and Pakistan in every tournament — the reason they are always paired in the same group. They are due to play in Colombo on February 15.

If that game does not go ahead, the broadcaster may feel it has no choice but to sue for breach of contract and loss of income, which would have serious financial implications for the ICC and, in turn, the amount of money that gets distributed to the national boards. For many countries, the income they get from the ICC represents a significant proportion of their total revenue and this could hit already cash-strapped countries such as West Indies.

Should Pakistan withdraw, they would be replaced by the next-highest ranked team, which is Uganda, who would draw far fewer viewers both on television and in the stadiums.

Naqvi’s comments also hint at the start of a big rift forming within the ICC nations, which could have further ramifications for future tournaments. Questions are also being raised behind the scenes by other national boards about why the fate of some teams is being led by governments and politicians, given that the ICC’s own regulations state that “all ICC members must manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government (or other pubic or quasi-public body) interference in its governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket”.

The ICC has previously imposed temporary suspensions on national cricket boards, for example Sri Lanka in November 2023, for political interference.

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