BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla supports ICC stand on Pakistan’s India T20 World Cup boycott
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla on Monday said the International Cricket Council (ICC) was right in warning Pakistan of severe repercussions over its selective pullout from the high-profile T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15.
Pakistan’s decision, conveyed through an official government statement, is being viewed as a political protest linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the ICC declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.
The ICC has already cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that a boycott of the marquee fixture could invite punitive sanctions.
“The ICC has issued a big statement on this subject. It has highlighted element of sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI will not make any comment until we speak to the ICC,” Shukla told reporters.
The controversy was triggered by the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, reportedly on instructions from the BCCI, following which Bangladesh refused to travel to India citing security concerns.
While a walkover would hand India full points, the ICC retains the authority to impose financial penalties on the PCB.
Pakistan is scheduled to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. All their matches are set to be played at the SSC ground in Colombo.
Published on Feb 02, 2026
