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ICC in Talks with PCB Over Pakistan’s Boycott of India T20 World Cup Match
ICC is in dialogue with PCB to resolve Pakistan’s boycott of the Feb 15 T20 World Cup clash against India, a move that could cost Pakistan points, revenue, and reshape the tournament dynamics.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-07
ICC in Talks with PCB Over Pakistan’s Boycott of India T20 World Cup Match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is engaged in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against arch-rivals India, AFP learned on Saturday.

While the Pakistani government has cleared the national team’s participation in the tournament, it has maintained that the Green Shirts will not play their February 15 match against India, scheduled to be held in Colombo.

Matches between India and Pakistan are among the most commercially lucrative fixtures in world cricket, generating millions of dollars in broadcast rights, sponsorships, and advertising revenue.

According to a source close to the developments, the PCB approached the ICC following a formal communication from the world cricket body. The source said the ICC was seeking to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation.

The 20-team T20 World Cup has already been overshadowed by political tensions. The situation escalated after Bangladesh declined to play matches in India due to security concerns and were subsequently replaced by Scotland.

In protest, Pakistan announced it would not face co-hosts India in their Group A encounter.

Pakistan, who narrowly defeated the Netherlands in the tournament opener on Saturday, stand to lose two crucial points if they forfeit the match. A walkover would also significantly damage their net run rate, potentially affecting qualification prospects.

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav said earlier this week that his team would travel to Colombo for the scheduled fixture, despite Pakistan’s stance.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for more than a decade, facing each other only in multinational tournaments due to long-standing political tensions.

Earlier this week, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) urged the PCB to reconsider its decision, warning of serious financial repercussions. SLC reportedly told Pakistan’s cricket board that a boycott would not only impact tournament revenues but also harm Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which is still recovering from the economic crisis of 2022.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Agha said that any potential meeting with India later in the tournament — including a semi-final or final — would be discussed with the government before a decision is made.

As talks continue between the ICC and PCB, uncertainty remains over one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures, with sporting, financial, and political stakes all hanging in the balance.
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