Despite Pakistan’s decision to boycott its ICC T20 World Cup match against India, the Indian cricket team will still be required to travel to Sri Lanka in accordance with the tournament schedule.
On Sunday, Pakistan announced that it would participate in the ICC T20 World Cup but would not play the match against India scheduled for February 15. The decision was taken after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Following the meeting, the government confirmed that Pakistan would continue to play in the World Cup but would boycott the match against India.
According to government sources, the decision was influenced by what Pakistan considers a biased decision by the ICC regarding Bangladesh. The government wanted to express solidarity with Bangladesh on the issue.
The Pakistan-India match was scheduled to be held on February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Under ICC regulations, even if Pakistan boycotts the match, India must still follow the official match protocol to be awarded the two points. This requires the Indian team to be present at the venue on time, carry out scheduled practice sessions, attend the pre-match press conference and arrive at the stadium as per the match schedule.
Sources within the Indian cricket board have confirmed that the Indian team will follow ICC protocol and will travel to Sri Lanka, hold practice sessions, address the media and reach the stadium on February 15.
As a result of the boycott, Pakistan will forfeit two crucial points, which will be awarded to India. Pakistan’s net run rate (NRR) will also be adversely affected.
Under ICC Playing Conditions, clause 16.10.7, if a team refuses to play a match, its net run rate is calculated as if it had played the full 20 overs and scored no runs. This means Pakistan’s NRR will suffer a significant negative impact, while India’s net run rate will remain unchanged.
The ICC T20 World Cup will begin on February 7. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States.
Pakistan will play its first match against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.