New Delhi: Pakistan is reportedly considering invoking the force majeure clause to avoid sanctions from the International Cricket Council if it refuses to play its T20 World Cup match against India on February 15. The provision is generally used to cover unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a contractual obligation from being fulfilled, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is said to be exploring it as a last option.
If Pakistan withdraws from the fixture, tournament rules state that India would be awarded two points and the PCB could face heavy financial penalties. According to sources, the board may attempt to justify the decision by citing instructions from the Pakistan government, arguing that the situation is extraordinary and beyond its control.
Cricket officials in Pakistan believe the clause offers the only possible legal shield, as there are no sporting reasons to skip the match. The PCB is expected to present the government’s public statement on the boycott as evidence that the decision was politically mandated rather than a voluntary breach of ICC regulations.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, however, views the argument as unconvincing. BCCI insiders pointed out that Pakistan had no hesitation in facing India in the Under 19 World Cup on the very day the government issued its statement. They also noted that the Pakistan prime minister serves as patron in chief of the PCB, making it difficult to separate the board from the state.
Indian officials accused Pakistan of mixing politics with cricket and ignoring established understandings. In recent ICC events, matches between the two nations have been scheduled at neutral venues to address security concerns, a formula that both boards had previously accepted. The BCCI believes refusing to play now amounts to deliberate disruption of the tournament.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently reiterated that his country would not take part in the game scheduled in Sri Lanka. Addressing the federal cabinet, he said Islamabad had adopted a clear and firm position on the issue, leaving little room for negotiation.
The controversy has placed the ICC in a difficult position as it tries to protect the integrity of its flagship event. Any decision on sanctions or acceptance of a force majeure claim could set a significant precedent for future tournaments and the already fragile cricketing ties between the two neighbours.
