ICC Warns PCB of Legal Risk as Pakistan Skips India Match, Broadcasters May Sue
NEW DELHI (TheTrendingPeople): The International Cricket Council has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that it could face legal action from official broadcasters JioStar following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its February 15 match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, a PCB source said on Tuesday.
According to sources, Pakistan opted to skip the Colombo fixture after receiving directions from its government. However, the PCB is yet to formally communicate its decision and reasons to the ICC.
ICC May Withhold Revenue Share
As reported earlier by PTI, the ICC is considering withholding Pakistan’s annual revenue share, estimated at nearly USD 35 million, and diverting the amount to compensate broadcasters in case of financial losses.
“If Pakistan doesn’t relent and play against India, not only will they face financial penalties and possible lawsuits, but even approaching the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee is unlikely to help,” a PCB source said.
The ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee is an internal panel that does not entertain appeals against decisions taken by its own board.
Legal and Contractual Complications
PCB officials said chairman Mohsin Naqvi had consulted the board’s legal team before briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week.
However, officials now believe the board could face serious legal consequences.
“When the ICC signed its four-year broadcast deal, India-Pakistan matches were a key component of the agreement. Payments were made keeping these fixtures in mind,” a source said.
“The broadcaster will be well within its rights to approach court over a major breach of contract.”
Neutral Venue Argument Weakens PCB Case
Sources also pointed out that Pakistan’s legal position is weak since its matches are already being played at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka.
“The PCB cannot justify its stance by citing government restrictions, as the team is not being asked to play in India,” a source said.
“India has not played in Pakistan for years due to security concerns, but it has continued to play Pakistan at neutral venues in ICC and Asia Cup events.”
Officials added that even after the May conflict, India continued to participate in neutral-venue matches against Pakistan.
Boycott Linked to Bangladesh Situation
While the PCB has not issued any written explanation to the ICC, the boycott is being seen as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh following their removal from the tournament.
This political dimension has further complicated the issue, with cricket administrators and broadcasters viewing the move as a violation of sporting and commercial commitments.
Possible U-Turn After Bangladesh Elections?
There is speculation that Naqvi could reconsider the decision after Bangladesh holds general elections on February 12, which are expected to lead to the formation of a new government under Mohammed Yunus.
“Naqvi is more of a politician than a cricket administrator. He is trying to score political points and could reverse the decision after the elections,” a source monitoring Pakistan cricket said.
With two days still remaining before the India match, officials believe the situation could change at the last moment.
“Otherwise, he knows Pakistan risks isolation in international cricket,” the source added.
Impact on Pakistan Cricket
If the boycott continues, Pakistan could face:
- Heavy financial losses
- Possible legal action from broadcasters
- Strained relations with the ICC
- Reduced influence in global cricket administration
Experts warn that repeated political interference in cricketing decisions may weaken Pakistan’s standing in international forums.
The ICC’s warning to the PCB underlines the serious commercial and legal consequences of skipping high-profile fixtures. With broadcasters, sponsors, and global audiences closely watching, Pakistan’s decision has placed the board in a difficult position.
Unless a last-minute compromise is reached, the PCB could face significant financial and reputational damage.
Our Thoughts
The India-Pakistan fixture remains the biggest commercial driver in world cricket, and any disruption carries major consequences. The PCB’s decision to boycott the match appears more political than sporting, and it risks isolating Pakistan within the ICC framework.
With millions of dollars and long-term credibility at stake, cricket administrators must prioritise the game’s interests over short-term political gains. A reversal at this stage may still help Pakistan avoid deeper trouble.