New Delhi, Feb 5, 2026 (PTI) — The International Cricket Council is preparing to consider a range of disciplinary actions after the Pakistan Cricket Board said it would boycott the T20 World Cup group match against India scheduled in Colombo on February 15. The PCB said the move was in solidarity with Bangladesh following that team’s removal from the tournament, even though agreements with the ICC and the BCCI require Pakistan to play on neutral ground.
An ICC board insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pakistan has not formally notified the council yet. A virtual ICC board meeting is planned and could decide whether Pakistan may remain in the competition. Even if Pakistan is allowed to continue, the PCB could still face significant penalties.
ICC sources outlined several possible sanctions under consideration:
– Expulsion from the ongoing T20 World Cup; if expelled, Uganda could be named as a replacement pending board approval.
– Suspension of the ICC’s annual revenue distribution to the PCB.
– An obligation for the PCB to compensate the ICC’s host broadcaster (referred to as Jio-Star) for advertising and broadcast revenue losses, potentially running into millions of dollars.
– Reciprocal measures affecting bilateral cricket: other member boards might refuse to tour Pakistan, or matches involving Pakistan could be declared non-consequential for ICC rankings.
– Denial of World Test Championship and other ICC ranking points for fixtures impacted by the boycott.
– Restrictions on overseas players participating in the Pakistan Super League, possibly barring most current international players while exempting retired players and free agents.
The ICC source characterized the PCB’s stance as a breach of legally binding agreements and said member boards are likely to respond with reciprocal action. Beyond contractual penalties, the economic loss from forfeiting an India-Pakistan T20 was highlighted: advertising rates for such fixtures typically range from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 40 lakh per 10 seconds, and lost ad revenue alone could exceed Rs 200 crore.
Key potential consequences outlined by ICC sources:
1. Possible removal from the T20 World Cup.
2. Withholding of ICC annual revenue payments.
3. Requirement to compensate the host broadcaster for lost revenues.
4. Sanctions on bilateral series and potential effects on WTC and ICC ranking points.
5. Possible bans on most overseas players taking part in the PSL.
The ICC board meeting will set the formal response and determine whether Pakistan will be allowed to stay in the tournament or be replaced.
