BCCI finally responds as Pakistan boycotts India clash in T20 World Cup 2026

BCCI issues its first official response after Pakistan announces it will boycott the India match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Team India (Image Credit: BCCI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) breaks silence on Pakistan boycotting playing against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. After Pakistan took to their Twitter channel to inform everyone about the boycott, ICC released a statement sharing the repucussions that Pakistan might have to suffer due to their decision.

Meanwhile, speaking about the entire matter, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has opened up how the board will remain silent until they have spoken with the ICC. However, they agree with ICC's statement and support them completely.

"The ICC has issued a big statement on this subject. It has highlighted element of sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI will not make any comment until we speak to the ICC," Shukla told reporters.

The T20 World Cup is set to start from February 7 and India vs Pakistan clash was slated on February 15 in Sri Lanka. Since Pakistan refused to travel to India to play the match after the Champions Trophy 2025 fiasco, their game was scheduled in a neutral venue.

How much loss will ICC has to bare if Pakistan boycotts India encounter?

The sports economy and the broadcasting rights during any marquee event depends on the viewership. In that case, India vs Pakistan clash generates more revenue than any other encounter from years, thanks to their political rivalry. Hence, ICC clubs them in the same group during most of the ICC trophies, similar to the T20 World Cup 2026.

Now, if we look at the economic loss of ICC, the equation is roughly around $500 million (around INR 4,500 crore). The numbers are huge and so are the stakes. Despite knowing everything, Pakistan have decided to opt out of one single fixture, inviting problems for their own board. Reports suggest that Pakistan's 50% revenue is generated from ICC and if they insist on boycotting the most demanded match of the season, they'll have to suffer huge losses in the future.

ICC will hold a meeting on February 3 or 4 to discuss the matters and until then, if PCB don't give a formal explanation for their action, the Apex Board might cut them off from the revenue. As per reports, ICC might also ask Pakistan to pay some amount to JioStar for the loss that is likely to happen. Overall, the ICC World Cup controvery is likely to take a wrong turn in the future if Pakistan continue to remain silent and adamant.

Where to watch ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches from February 7 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson: Who should open for India?

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