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India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match is pending. After the Pakistani government confirmed its participation in the T20 World Cup through a social media post and announced its decision to boycott the match against India, the news attracted widespread attention. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to issue any formal notification to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the social media post.
Everyone is watching what the ICC decides if the PCB insists on not playing against India. Pakistan cricket could be subject to sanctions and bans, and things could get dark for a country that relies largely on cricket for its revenue. In the meantime, former ICC communications director Sami-ul-Hasan Burney commented on the controversy below on Monday.
Sami Hassan supports PCB
Sami Hassan Boney is confident that the PCB will not succumb to the possibility of ICC sanctions over its decision to boycott a match against Suryakumar Yadav’s side. The decision comes after Bangladesh were excluded from the T20 World Cup after requesting a change of venue for the World Cup group stage from India citing security reasons. PCB was the only side to support Bangladesh, however, after their replacement, ACC president Mohsin Naqvi criticized the apex body.
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In an interview with PTI, Sami Hasan Birni was asked whether Bangladesh’s conflict with India is Pakistan’s conflict.
“We may agree, we may not agree with the decision, we may argue… but when the government makes a decision, they look at something bigger than what you and I see. These are not easy decisions to make. They must have talked to a lot of people, sought expert advice and considered the legal aspects. I’m sure there will be extensive exercises before the Pakistani government makes a decision,” he said.
“As for the sanctions or losses you’re talking about, a game could cost $250 million, and that includes everything, not just the loss to the broadcaster. Pakistan’s annual revenue is $35.5 million, so there’s a big difference.”
Pakistan cricket does not rely on income?
Sami-ul-Hasan Burney believes the board will consider the consequences before taking a stance on ongoing differences. He mainly serves as PCB media director and works at the ICC headquarters, and he also feels that Pakistan cricket is unlikely to have problems due to financial pressure as it has been surviving in competitive cricket for a long time without playing against India.
Sami Hassan said: “Unlike other countries, Pakistan has not hosted India in a bilateral series for 20 years. Between 2009 and 2019, they were also forced to play overseas, mainly in the UAE, but still managed to win major events, the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. So, yes, there will be a financial impact, but if the Pakistan Cricket Board can get through these 20 years without playing India year, they can sustain it again.”
Pakistan isolated by other board members
As of now, Pakistan has not received support from any other committee for its stance and finds itself in deep trouble with the possibility of being banned from playing cricket.
The International Chamber of Commerce will hold an emergency meeting to find a solution.
