However, former PCB and ICC chairman Ehsan Mani has insisted that the ICC has no authority to punish Pakistan for following government directives.
Pakistan are scheduled to face India on February 15 in Colombo. On Sunday, the Pakistan government announced that the national team would not take the field against India. Within hours, the ICC warned Pakistan of potential consequences and urged the PCB to reconsider its decision.
With an India–Pakistan clash considered the most lucrative fixture of the tournament, reports have suggested the ICC could suffer major financial losses if the match does not take place. Several media outlets have speculated that the PCB could face fines or a reduction in its share of ICC revenues, along with other possible sanctions.
However, speaking to Sportstar, Mani dismissed those claims, arguing that Pakistan cannot be penalised for complying with government orders.
“Pakistan cannot be sanctioned for following government directives. India had refused to play its matches in Pakistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy citing the same reason. There cannot be double standards,” Mani said.
“So unfortunately, I must once again point out that instead of addressing the problem, the ICC has merely acted as a spectator.”
He further added: “For any country, the door was always left open for government involvement—especially knowing that the PCB chairman is a government minister.”
