'Can't be any sanctions': Former PCB chief on why ICC can't punish Pakistan for boycotting India T20 World Cup clash

Former PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani believes the ICC cannot punish Pakistan for boycotting the India match in the T20 World Cup 2026. He says the ICC has no legal right to sanction the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The Pakistan government has allowed the team to play the T20 World Cup. But it has clearly said Pakistan will not play India on February 15 in Colombo. No reason was officially given for this decision.




The ICC released a statement after this development. It asked the PCB to find a “mutually acceptable resolution”. It also warned Pakistan about long-term consequences. However, Mani disagrees with the ICC’s stand.

He says the PCB is only following government orders. He pointed out that India did the same thing earlier. The BCCI did not send its team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. That decision came from the Indian government. The ICC did not punish India at that time.

“There can’t be any sanctions against Pakistan if it follows the government instructions. That was the basis on which India refused to play its 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. You can’t have double standards,” Mani told Sportstar.

Mani also blamed the ICC for mishandling the situation. He said the ICC ignored warning signs.

“So, unfortunately, again I come back to the fact that instead of dealing with the problem, the ICC just stood there as a bystander. You left the door open for any country to get its government involved. And especially knowing that the chairman of the PCB is a serving minister of the government,” he added.

Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.