Pakistan may attempt to invoke the ‘force majeure’ clause to avoid heavy sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if it boycotts its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, according to a report by The Indian Express.

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If Pakistan refuse to take the field for the February 15 fixture in Colombo, India will be awarded two points, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face significant financial penalties. The ‘force majeure’ clause typically applies to unforeseeable or extraordinary circumstances that prevent contractual obligations from being fulfilled.

The report claims the PCB could argue that its decision was not voluntary, citing a social media post by the Pakistan government announcing the boycott and asserting that the board was instructed to comply. Sources suggested Pakistan may attempt to frame the situation as “extraordinary” in nature.

“This is their last resort since they don’t have any other reason not to play India,” an official was quoted as saying.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unconvinced by the argument and believes the PCB’s stance is legally weak.

“When Pakistan had no issue playing India in the Under-19 World Cup on the same day their government issued the boycott post, this argument won’t cut ice,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express. “Moreover, when it comes to the PCB and the Pakistan government, there is little separation. The prime minister is the patron-in-chief of the PCB, and the board’s chairman is a serving minister.”

The source further accused Pakistan and Bangladesh of politicising the sport. “The Pakistan and Bangladesh boards are mixing politics with cricket. Despite repeated assurances from the Indian government regarding security, Bangladesh refused to travel to India. Now Pakistan is acting unreasonably as well. There has always been an understanding that India and Pakistan would play at a neutral venue in ICC events. Boycotting the game is nothing but mischief,” the official added.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s decision to boycott the India match, stating that the country had taken a “clear stand” on the issue.

“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” Sharif said while addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad on Wednesday.