If Pakistan decides not to play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in Colombo, the move could create serious problems for PCB.
Experts say such a decision would not be a simple sporting choice and could bring legal, financial, and reputational damage.
According to the Member Participation Agreement signed with the International Cricket Council (ICC), all participating teams are required to play their assigned matches.
If Pakistan withdraws or forfeits the game, it may be considered a breach of this agreement. In that case, the ICC could take disciplinary action against the PCB, including fines or other penalties.
The financial impact could be even more severe. The Pakistan-India match is one of the biggest events in world cricket and attracts massive global viewership.
The host broadcaster is expected to earn around 38 million dollars from advertisements and sponsorships linked to this single match. If the game does not take place, the broadcaster may seek compensation through legal action, holding the PCB responsible for losses.
Beyond money and legal issues, Pakistan’s image in international cricket could also suffer. Refusing to play such a high-profile match may affect future tournament planning, relationships with other cricket boards, and Pakistan’s influence within the ICC.
Cricket analysts believe that any decision regarding the match must be taken very carefully. They say the PCB needs to balance political concerns with its professional responsibilities, as the consequences of forfeiting the game could be long-lasting and difficult to manage.
