DUBAI — The International Cricket Council has warned Pakistan that selective participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 undermines the integrity and fairness of global cricket, following Islamabad’s decision to withdraw from its scheduled match against India.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the ICC said it had noted the Pakistani government’s directive instructing its national team not to take the field for the February 15, 2026 fixture, while still permitting participation in the rest of the tournament. The governing body said it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The ICC said the position taken by Pakistan was “difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event,” where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms and adhere to the official schedule.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” the statement said.

While acknowledging the role of governments in shaping national policy, the ICC cautioned that Pakistan’s decision was not in the interest of the global game or cricket fans worldwide, including millions within Pakistan itself. It urged the PCB to consider the long-term implications for cricket in the country, warning that the move could have wider consequences for the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is a member and beneficiary.

The ICC said its priority remains the successful delivery of the Men’s T20 World Cup and stressed that this responsibility lies with all member boards, including the PCB. It added that it expects the PCB to work towards a mutually acceptable resolution that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.

The warning follows an earlier announcement by the Pakistani government confirming that the national team will boycott its group-stage match against India at the tournament, despite receiving approval to travel to Sri Lanka for the event.

In a post on its official X account, the government said Pakistan would participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but would not play the match scheduled against India. No reason was given for the decision.

The India–Pakistan clash is regarded as the most lucrative fixture in international cricket and has featured in every ICC global event since 2012, even as diplomatic tensions have prevented bilateral series between the two countries for nearly 14 years. If the withdrawal stands, the 2026 World Cup would become the first men’s ICC tournament since 2010 without an India–Pakistan encounter.

Uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation had grown in recent weeks after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the government would decide the country’s involvement in the tournament, following Bangladesh’s removal from the event over security concerns related to playing in India.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in February.