While the ICC awaits official communications from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms as per the event schedule.
ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.
While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the best interests of global sport or the well-being of fans around the world, including millions in Pakistan.
The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket at home, as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, of which it is itself a member and beneficiary.
The ICC’s priority remains the successful staging of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
More to come!
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