ICC in talks with PCB over India fixture

The ICC has initiated discreet discussions with the PCB to address Pakistan’s threat to boycott its group-stage match against India on February 15 at the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup. 

PCB announced the boycott stance last week, citing government directives and frustrations over the neutral venue arrangement.

ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja leads these back-channel efforts, holding multiple calls with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and PSL head Naseem Ashraf. 

The talks began around a week before Pakistan’s public position, during Naqvi’s UAE visit, where he met Khwaja. 

Pakistan plans to compete in the tournament, with the option of playing its matches in Sri Lanka, but skip the India fixture, potentially forfeiting two points.

Pakistan’s move stems from broader grievances, including the ICC’s decision to exclude Bangladesh and ongoing disputes with India over bilateral cricket since 2012-13. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif backed the boycott, describing it as Pakistan standing in solidarity with Bangladesh.

The ICC warned PCB of repercussions, including damage to Pakistan’s long-term cricket interests within the global ecosystem. 

Legal routes like the Court of Arbitration for Sport remain options for PCB, though internal ICC dispute panels may not favour appeals against board decisions.

Neutral venues for India-Pakistan matches, agreed in 2024 for the 2024-2027 cycle, place all Pakistan games in Sri Lanka, which came as a concession following India’s refusal to tour. 

Yet tensions persist over broadcasting rights and security, with India allowing neutral clashes in past ICC events like the Asia Cup. 

Players remain sidelined from the politics. Pakistan captain Babar Azam focuses on team preparation in Sri Lanka, while India’s Suryakumar Yadav has said that, despite the current turmoil, the team’s flight to Colombo for the match against Pakistan has been booked. 

This shows that both sides are not affected by what’s happening around them and would be ready to face each other at a moment’s notice. 

However, that all depends on the outcome of the ongoing talks. Should Pakistan refuse to face India, they risk losing points, and there’s no telling if their paths could cross again before the end of the tournament.