Pakistan Boycotts India T20 World Cup Match: Sanctions, Fines, or Ban Loom?

• Pakistan's government approved participation in ICC World T20 2026 but barred the team from playing India on February 15 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
• The boycott is believed to be in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was ejected from the tournament for seeking relocation of matches out of India due to security concerns.
• Potential consequences for Pakistan include a complete tournament ban, withholding of ICC annual revenue payout, and PCB compensating Jio-Star for revenue loss.
• Further sanctions could involve a ban on bilateral series, affecting WTC points and ICC rankings, and prohibiting overseas players (except free agents) from PSL.
• The India-Pakistan match is a major revenue driver for ICC events, and the boycott creates significant logistical, regulatory, and commercial challenges.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's T20 World Cup boycott against India could lead to severe ICC sanctions and financial penalties.