In a statement, it said it was awaiting official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) but said “this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.<\/p>\n
“Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.”<\/p>\n
It said it “respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy” but continued: “This decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”<\/p>\n
It added that it hoped the PCB “will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country” and that it “expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution”.<\/p>\n
The ICC has yet to publish its playing conditions for the tournament so it is not known what sanction Pakistan could face for boycotting the game.<\/p>\n
However, the rules for the previous tournament stated: “If the match is decided by one side conceding defeat or refusing to play, the result shall be stated as Match Conceded or Match Awarded, as the case may be.”<\/p>\n
Pakistan had previously announced their squad for the 20-team tournament, which begins on 7 February, but maintained participation was subject to government approval.<\/p>\n
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), meanwhile, had asked for their fixtures to be switched from India to the other host nation, Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n