Our Bureau
Dubai
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has quietly asked one of its senior officials to hold behind‑the‑scenes talks with Pakistan over its stance on the India–Pakistan match in the 2026 T20 World Cup. According to reports, deputy chairman Imran Khwaja, who represents the Singapore Cricket Association, has been tasked with convincing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play their group‑stage game against India on February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistan has said it will take part in the tournament but will boycott the match against India. The PCB has not yet sent any formal letter to the ICC explaining this decision, even though the stand comes on the instructions of the Pakistani government. The ICC, however, has made it clear that skipping the game could have serious consequences.
Officials say the ICC has warned Pakistan that it may face legal action from the tournament’s official broadcasters, JioStar, if it refuses to play India. There is also talk that the ICC could hold back Pakistan’s annual revenue share, around 35 million dollars and use part of that money to pay the broadcasters. PCB sources admit that any move to challenge ICC decisions through the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee is unlikely to succeed, because that body does not hear appeals against board rulings.
Pakistan has tried to argue that it is already playing its matches at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka, not in India, so its position should be treated differently. But board insiders say the ICC is unlikely to accept that logic, especially since India has not stopped its team from facing Pakistan at neutral venues in events such as the Asia Cup and previous ICC tournaments. With the World Cup starting in a few weeks, the pressure is now on Pakistan to either change its stance or face heavy financial and sporting penalties.
