Pakistan’s attempt to boycott the February 15 World Cup match against India has collapsed. No international cricket board has supported the move. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now stands isolated.
Despite public statements from the Pakistan government, the PCB has not formally approached the ICC. It has quietly reached out to other boards instead. The response has been blunt. Not one board has backed Pakistan.
The consensus is clear. Pakistan has no legal standing to boycott the match. The move, framed as solidarity with Bangladesh, is being seen as a manufactured crisis.
The PCB’s position is further weakened by contradictions. Pakistan’s Under-19 team recently played India in the U19 World Cup. There was no protest. No boycott.
More tellingly, the Pakistan Women’s A team is still scheduled to play India A on 15th February. The match will take place in Bangkok during the Rising Stars Asia Cup. There are no plans to withdraw.
Security arguments have also failed. The men’s World Cup match will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is a neutral venue. Bangladesh’s security concerns about travelling to India do not apply here.
The PCB now has no allies. The ICC has already warned of long-term sanctions. Other boards have reminded Pakistan that selective participation goes against the spirit of global sport.
If the boycott goes ahead, the cost will be heavy. Financial penalties could cross $38 million. World Cup points could be forfeited. Suspension is also possible.
There is still time to step back. But without a course correction, Pakistan cricket risks serious and lasting damage.
