India, Feb. 2 -- The Pakistan government on Sunday put an end to days of speculation. While granting approval for Pakistan's participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, it barred the team from taking the field on February 15 in the Group A match against India in Colombo. The decision did not sit well with the ICC. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to send an official letter to the ICC conveying the government's directive, the global body has warned that a selective boycott could invite punitive sanctions.

The ICC not only questioned the Pakistan government's decision but also urged the PCB to consider the "significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country," warning that the move could impact the global cricke...