The International Cricket Council (ICC) is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve Pakistan’s boycott of its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against the India national cricket team scheduled for February 15, according to AFP. While Pakistan’s government has granted permission for the team to take part in the tournament, it has instructed the Green Shirts not to play their arch-rivals in the group fixture set for Colombo.
A clash between India and the Pakistan national cricket team is considered one of the most lucrative matchups in world cricket, generating millions of dollars in broadcasting, sponsorship and advertising revenue. Following formal communication from the ICC, the PCB approached the governing body to discuss the issue, with sources indicating that the ICC is pursuing dialogue rather than confrontation to find a way forward.
The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions after the Bangladesh national cricket team declined to play in India over security concerns and were replaced by the Scotland national cricket team. In protest, Pakistan opted not to face co-hosts India in their Group A encounter.
Pakistan, who opened their campaign with a win over the Netherlands, now risk losing two points if they forfeit the India match, along with taking a major hit to their net run rate. India captain Suryakumar Yadav said earlier this week that his side would travel to Colombo for the scheduled clash.
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket for more than a decade and only meet in global or regional competitions. Adding to the pressure, Sri Lanka Cricket urged Pakistan to reconsider the boycott, warning that it would cause financial losses and further dent Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which is still recovering from the 2022 economic crisis.
Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha said that if his team were to meet India in a semi-final or final, the players would consult the government before taking any decision.
