NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of Pakistan boycotting the T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in Colombo, the BCCI has finally responded, with board vice president Rajeev Shukla backing the ICC's statement emphasising sportsmanship.

Pakistan on Sunday cleared the air on their participation in the tournament in India and Sri Lanka after the Pakistani government gave its team a go-ahead but announced a boycott of its high-profile group league match against India.

The decision, conveyed through an official government statement, is being seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.

Shukla said that the ICC has issued a major statement but remained tight-lipped about making any comments before consulting the world body.

"ICC has issued a big statement, they have spoken about sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI won't make any comments on it until we speak with the ICC," Shukla told reporters on Monday.

ICC warns PCB of serious implications

The ICC, on its part, questioned the Pakistan government's decision and also issued a warning that this boycott could lead to punitive sanctions.

"The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of," the global body said in a statement.

"While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan," it further stated.