By Admin 
Just before the T20 World Cup 2026, the controversy regarding the India-Pakistan match has now intensified. While the threat of ICC’s possible action is hanging over Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India, the statements of former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali have given further impetus to the matter.
The match between India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 is to be held on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Pakistan government clearly announced on social media that the Pakistan team will participate in the tournament, but will not play the match against India. Even after this decision, PCB has not yet sent any official letter to ICC, due to which the situation remains even more confusing.
ICC can take strict action
ICC can take action against Pakistan due to its decision of not playing the match against India. According to sources, if this contest does not take place then the huge economic loss caused by it can be compensated by Pakistan. Apart from this, there is also a possibility of strict punishment like deduction of points, impact on hosting of future tournaments or even a ban. Earlier, ICC had warned Pakistan that the decision to boycott the tournament could harm the fairness of cricket.
Basit Ali surrounded ICC
Amidst this entire controversy, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has accused ICC of double standards. He said on his YouTube channel, “This attitude was initiated by India. I am not even talking about the decision that Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistani players, but India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi. They did not accept the trophy because they were asked to do so by their government. Now when we are boycotting a match at the behest of our government, how come we are suddenly the ones who have gone wrong? If India can do it, Pakistan can also do it!”
Gave examples from old World Cup
Basit Ali further said, “West Indies and Australia did the same in their matches in the 1996 World Cup. They lost only two points. Apart from that, were they given any other punishment? England and New Zealand also did not play matches in the 2003 World Cup. Were they given any kind of punishment? Now when our team is doing this, it is being said that the Pakistan cricket team can be banned. Try it!”
Questions raised regarding the letter
Basit Ali also raised the question whether BCCI had given any formal letter to ICC when India had refused to play in Pakistan. He said that if ICC is asking for a written reply from PCB, then first ICC’s letter should also be made public. He also said that PCB cannot ignore the decision of Pakistan government.