NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to consider a slew of punitive actions against Pakistan following their government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, a move that could even result in a ban from the upcoming edition of the marquee tournament.

The potential sanctions could range from top member nations refusing to play bilateral series with Pakistan, heavy financial penalties, and restrictions on overseas players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Also READ: Pakistan announce boycott of India match in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), citing solidarity with Bangladesh’s ouster from the T20 World Cup, has decided not to play their group league fixture against India in Colombo on February 15, despite having a binding agreement with the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play matches on neutral venues.

ICC board to meet, tough call expected

"The PCB hasn't yet officially informed ICC but since there has been an official announcement, the ICC is expected to take some stringent actions. The ICC board will be meeting tomorrow (Monday) virtually and decide whether Pakistan should be allowed to play in the tournament. In case they are allowed, there could be some strict punishment for PCB," an ICC Board source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

So, what are the possible sanctions expected against the PCB?

"Since they are in violation of a binding contract, the ICC's member boards could refuse to travel to Pakistan for the bilateral series. In case they play the bilateral series, there is every chance that the results will not impact the ICC rankings across formats.

"There remains a chance of Pakistan not being awarded any WTC points," the source added.

PSL could take the biggest hit

However, what could hurt Pakistan the most is a potential clampdown on its biggest revenue generator — the Pakistan Super League.

"Barring retired players or free agents, the current overseas internationals could be barred from participating in the PSL. Apart from that, the revenue loss incurred by ICC's host broadcaster Jio-Star which could range into millions of dollars, will have to compensated by the PCB. It goes without saying that their annual revenue will also not be disbursed," the source added.

In case the ICC decides to ban Pakistan from the tournament, Uganda could be drafted in as the replacement team, although that decision will only be taken after the board meeting.

Normally, advertisement slots for an India-Pakistan T20 clash command premium rates ranging between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 40 lakh per 10 seconds, and the overall advertising revenue loss alone could exceed Rs 200 crore.

1. Complete ban from the tournament

2. ICC annual revenue pay-out withheld

3. PCB asked to compensate Jio-Star fully for broadcast revenue loss

4. Sanctions on bilateral series, with impact on WTC points and ICC rankings

5. Ban on all overseas players, barring free agents, from playing in the PSL

(With PTI Inputs)