India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match is hanging on threads. After the Pakistan government, through a social media post, confirmed their participation in the T20 World Cup andannounced their decision to boycott the match against India, the announcement has gained much attention. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not provided any formal notice to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the social media post.
Everyone has an eye on what decision the ICC takes if the PCB keeps its stance of not playing against India. There might be sanctions and bans for Pakistan cricket, and it might turn out dark for the nation, which mostly generates revenue from cricket. Amidst this, ICC’s former head of communications, Sami-ul-Hasan Burney, on Monday made his comment on the following controversy.
Sami-ul-Hasan backs PCB
Sami-ul-Hasan Burney believes PCB will not bow down to the possibility of sanctions from the ICC for their decision to boycott the match against Suryakumar Yadav’s side. The decision was taken after Bangladesh was removed from the T20 World Cup after their request to change their World Cup group matches venue from India, citing security reasons. PCB was the only side that supported Bangaldesh however, after their replacement, ACC president Mohsin Naqvi criticised the apex body.
While speaking with PTI, Sami-ul-Hasan Burney was asked whether Bangladesh’s conflict with India was Pakistan’s fight.
He said, “We may agree with it, we may disagree with this decision, we may argue… but when the government makes a decision, they are looking at something bigger than what you and I are seeing. These are not easy decisions to make. They must have spoken to a lot of people, sought expert advice and looked at the legal side. I am sure an extensive exercise would have taken place before the government of Pakistan made that decision.”
“As regards the sanctions or the losses you are talking about, that one match could cost USD 250 million, accounting for everything, not just the broadcaster’s loss. Pakistan’s annual revenue is USD 35.5 million, so there is a big difference.”
Pakistan Cricket does not rely on revenues?
Sami-ul-Hasan Burney believes the board would have thought of the consequences before taking a stand on the ongoing rift. He, who mainly served as the media director for PCB and worked in the ICC headquarters, also feels Pakistan cricket is unlikely to be in problems by financial pressure, having survived long periods in cricket without playing India.
Sami-ul-Hasan said, “Unlike other countries, Pakistan have not hosted India in a bilateral series for 20 years. They were also forced to play offshore between 2009 and 2019, mainly in the UAE, yet still managed to win major tournaments, the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. So yes, there will be financial implications, but if the Pakistan Cricket Board could survive that 20-year period without playing India, they can sustain it again.”
Pakistan is isolated by other board members
As of now, Pakistan has not gained support from any other boards for their stance and find themselves under deep water with chances of being banned from playing cricket.
ICC will have an emergency meeting to find a solution.
