ICC Intervenes in Pakistan-India T20 World Cup Clash Row

WEB DESK: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in to mediate the escalating dispute between Pakistan and India over their scheduled marquee match in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision to boycott the fixture.

According to APP, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, accompanied by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam, held talks with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. The meeting, described as cordial, focused on persuading Pakistan to reverse its stance on not playing India in Colombo on 15 February.

The row stems from Pakistan’s government-approved participation in the tournament which began on Saturday with a narrow victory over the Netherlands but with the explicit condition that the national team will not take the field against India. This decision followed Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh, whose concerns over playing in India led to their replacement by Scotland in the event.

PCB Chair to Brief Prime Minister Following ICC Talks

Khawaja pressed the PCB to review its position, emphasising the broader interests of the sport and assuring that the ICC would address Pakistan’s and Bangladesh’s grievances. He pledged to brief the ICC governing body promptly, with a formal response to Pakistan’s conditions expected within one or two days.

PCB Chairman Naqvi welcomed the delegation warmly and reiterated that the final call rests with the Government of Pakistan. He is anticipated to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the coming days to seek further guidance on the matter.

The ICC has formally requested Pakistan’s full participation, arguing that selective involvement is difficult to reconcile with the principles of a global event where all qualified teams compete on equal terms according to the schedule. The high-profile India-Pakistan clash is a major revenue generator for the tournament, and its absence could have significant financial and competitive repercussions.

The discussions come amid heightened tensions in international cricket, following last year’s hybrid model arrangement for the Champions Trophy where India’s matches were shifted to the UAE due to similar bilateral issues. Pakistan has presented detailed reservations, while the ICC stresses dialogue over confrontation to safeguard the integrity of the World Cup.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on whether diplomatic efforts will secure the long-awaited India-Pakistan encounter, or if the boycott proceeds, potentially triggering sanctions and points forfeits for the Pakistani side.