ICC Seeks Clarification From PCB Over Use of ‘Force Majeure’ in Boycott of India Clash at T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to justify its invocation of the ‘Force Majeure’ clause to boycott the upcoming India–Pakistan group-stage match scheduled for February 15 at the T20 World Cup 2026, according to a report published by ESPNcricinfo on Saturday.

The ICC reportedly received an email from the PCB stating that the decision was taken on the basis of government directives. The boycott announcement came less than 10 days before the tournament opener, despite the much-anticipated match already being locked in for Colombo under the hybrid model. Both sides continue discussions as the ICC works toward a possible resolution.

Force Majeure is a legal principle that allows a party to forgo its obligations if an unpredictable and uncontrollable event prevents their fulfillment. While it is typically invoked during natural disasters, conflict, or similar circumstances, the ICC’s Members Participation Agreement (MPA) also categorises a government order as a legitimate trigger for invoking the clause.

The Pakistan government first announced the decision through the country’s official X handle, later reinforced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PM linked the boycott to the controversy involving Bangladesh, calling it an act of solidarity. Bangladesh had been withdrawn from the tournament and replaced by Scotland after the ICC rejected their request to play all matches outside India. Their stance stemmed from the BCCI’s directive to pull Mustafizur Rahman out of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad amid tensions in Bangladesh regarding alleged atrocities against minorities.

As part of protocol, the ICC has asked the PCB to detail what steps, if any, it took to mitigate the situation before invoking Force Majeure — a requirement under the MPA. The governing body is also believed to have highlighted the specific conditions under which Force Majeure may be legitimately applied, including the evidentiary standards required to prove non-participation and the potential sporting, commercial and governance consequences.

The ICC has additionally reminded the PCB of the material damages it may incur if the high-profile match does not proceed. While the ICC is reportedly keen to avoid confrontation, its constitution allows for strong action, including suspension or termination of membership, in cases of severe breaches of obligation.

On their part, PCB officials reportedly believe they hold a strong legal argument should the matter escalate. They reference the earlier PCB-BCCI dispute taken to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) over India’s alleged failure to honour a 2014 MoU to play six bilateral series. Although PCB lost that case, they feel the Indian government’s refusal to grant BCCI permission for the series establishes a precedent for the current situation.

Back-channel negotiations remain ongoing, facilitated by ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja and Emirates Cricket Board’s Mubashir Usmani, who are in contact with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL chief Salman Naseer. These talks aim to break the deadlock, though neither the ICC nor PCB has yet issued an official public statement.