Team India to follow protocol, will travel to Sri Lanka despite Pakistan's boycott of T20 WC clash: Report

Even though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to boycott their T20 World Cup clash against India, the Men in Blue will be following ICC's protocol and will travel to Sri Lanka for the match. According to a report by ANI, they will practice as per the schedule and will wait for the match referee to formally call off the game.

The two teams were scheduled to lock horns on February 15 at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo, but the match may not take take place following Pakistan's boycott. The Men in Green did get the clearance to participate in the tournament from the government, but they will not be taking the field specifically for their fixture against their arch-rivals.

“Team India will travel to Sri Lanka and follow ICC protocol. They will practise as scheduled, do the press conference, reach the stadium on time and wait for the match referee to call off the match,” a BCCI source said.

India to be given 2 points?

As per ICC's playing conditions, India will be awarded a walkover and the two points if Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not present himself to the ground for the toss. If this happens, then it can turn out to be a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the Super 8 stage.

As expected, this move hasn't gone down well with the ICC, who have warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the consequences that the boycott will have on Pakistan cricket. The global cricket body wants them to reconsider their decision.

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“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country, as this decision is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem. While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan," ICC said in a statement.

India and Pakistan's opening matches

Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan will begin their T20 World Cup campaigns on February 7 with the clashes against USA and Netherlands respectively. The two arch-rivals have been placed in Group A and it remains to be seen if they will be able to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.