Synopsis
Pakistan Cricket Board is in talks with the ICC regarding their refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup, citing government instructions and attempting to invoke ‘force majeure’. The ICC is seeking justification for this selective withdrawal, emphasizing the tournament’s commercial stakes and the need for structured resolutions to avoid potential damages and disciplinary action.
ANI The Pakistan Cricket Board has now approached the ICC for deliberations after seeking to invoke the ‘force majeure’ clause to justify its refusal to play the match, PTI has learnt. The move comes after the global body sought an explanation from the PCB on how it could withdraw from one fixture while continuing to play the remainder of the tournament on government instructions.
A few days earlier, the PCB had formally written to the ICC expressing its intent to invoke the clause, citing a government tweet that barred the team from playing the February 15 match in Colombo. The ICC subsequently asked the board to justify selective non-participation and explain the basis for placing the onus on the government.
An ICC director told PTI that there remains scope for discussions following the PCB’s outreach to the governing body. After receiving the ICC’s formal communication, the PCB initiated further talks. The official said the ICC is engaging with the board “in a structured manner to explore possible resolutions,” adding that “the interest of the game must supersede unilateral action,” the official told PTI.
The India vs Pakistan match, widely regarded as the financial centrepiece of ICC tournaments, is back under discussion, with talks beginning between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the world body to organise the fixture. Pakistan had announced it would boycott the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India to express solidarity with Bangladesh following their removal from the tournament, but the high commerc
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