The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about potential legal consequences if they proceed with boycotting the February 15 match against India. This information was revealed by a PCB source on Tuesday.
Under the directions of their government, Pakistan has opted to boycott the match scheduled in Colombo. However, they have yet to officially communicate the reasons for this decision to the ICC.
According to PTI reports, the ICC could freeze Pakistan's entire annual revenue share, roughly 35 million USD, redirecting it to the broadcasters.
A PCB insider disclosed that despite the board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, consulting legal experts before briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week, the board is preparing itself for severe repercussions.
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The Imminent Collapse of PCB
If Pakistan persists in its decision not to play against India, they will not only face financial penalties but may also be sued by the broadcasters. Moreover, ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) is unlikely to entertain any appeals, as it's an internal body that doesn’t review board decisions.
Another source indicated that despite government directives, PCB might encounter difficulties since Pakistan is playing all its matches at neutral venues (Sri Lanka), a decision made upon their own request rather than India's preference.
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The source added that although the Indian government didn’t permit their team to play in Pakistan, they have never prohibited playing against Pakistan at neutral venues during tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC events, even after tensions arose in May.
PCB has yet to formally notify ICC. The boycott decision appears to support Bangladesh.
The insider explained that the broadcast agreement covering four years was based on India-Pakistan matches, thus granting the broadcaster full rights to pursue legal action against both PCB and ICC for this major contract breach.
Will Naqvi Change Course After Bangladesh Elections?
There’s speculation that Mohsin Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, might reconsider his decision post the February 12 general elections in Bangladesh, should a democratic government replace the current regime.
An insider noted, 'Naqvi is more of a politician than a cricket administrator and seems indifferent to the national team's welfare. He is leveraging the situation for political gains, potentially changing his stance post-elections.'
The source further mentioned there’s still a two-day window before the India match, leaving room for potential changes. Should circumstances remain unchanged, Naqvi is aware of Pakistan's risk of isolation in international cricket.
