The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing potential legal action from JioStar, the official broadcasters of the T20 World Cup, due to its decision to boycott
the February 15 match against India.
This decision was made on government orders, but the PCB has not yet provided official reasons to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to a PCB insider, if Pakistan continues its boycott, it risks financial penalties and possible legal action from the broadcasters. The ICC might also withhold Pakistan's annual revenue share of approximately USD 35 million to compensate JioStar. The PCB's chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, consulted legal experts before discussing the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
ICC Dispute Resolution Committee and Neutral Venues
The ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), which does not entertain appeals against its own board's decisions, may not favour Pakistan if they seek intervention. Despite government directives, Pakistan is playing matches in Sri Lanka, a neutral venue, as per their preference. Meanwhile, India has not restricted its team from playing against Pakistan at neutral venues in events like the Asia Cup or ICC tournaments.
The PCB has yet to formally communicate its boycott decision to the ICC. This move is perceived as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh following their exclusion from the tournament. The broadcasting contract between ICC and JioStar includes matches between India and Pakistan, forming the basis for payments made by JioStar to ICC.
Potential Political Influence on Decision
There is speculation that Naqvi, who also serves as his country's interior minister, might reverse his decision after Bangladesh's general elections on February 12. A new democratic government could replace Mohammed Yunus's current administration. Naqvi's political motivations may influence his stance on the boycott.
Naqvi's political ambitions might lead him to reconsider his position post-elections. With two days remaining before the India-Pakistan match, circumstances could shift. Failure to play against India might result in Pakistan facing isolation in international cricket.
The broadcaster holds the right to pursue legal action against both PCB and ICC for breaching contractual obligations. The ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between politics and sports administration in Pakistan.
With inputs from PTI
