Decision not to play against India, no room for penalty: Ehsan Mani

PNN News Desk

Pakistan has announced it will not play against India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, sparking widespread discussion in the cricket world. Rumors suggested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face severe sanctions, but former ICC chairman Ehsan Mani believes the ICC has no legal grounds to punish Pakistan in this case.

Last Sunday, Pakistan’s government stated via social media platform X that the team would participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup but would not play the scheduled 15 February match against India. PCB confirmed it would comply with the government’s directive.

The announcement caused a stir because India-Pakistan matches are among the ICC’s most lucrative events. Indian media reported that cancellation could result in significant revenue loss. Speculations arose that the ICC could impose fines, demand compensation, or withhold tournament funds.

However, Ehsan Mani dismissed such concerns, stating that if the PCB follows government instructions, any sanctions would not be legally or ethically justified. He cited precedent: India had previously refused to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, which cannot be judged differently.

Mani also noted that the ICC now operates in an environment where boards can cite government directives when necessary. In Pakistan’s case, this is particularly clear since the PCB chairman also holds a key government post. Past situations, like Bangladesh requesting not to play in India for security reasons, were not approved by ICC, but Pakistan frames its decision as an act of solidarity.