The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match fiasco is nearing the end. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had a meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about Pakistan’s decision not to take the field against their arch-rivals India on 15th February. The final announcement on the matter will come very soon.
ICC on Sunday had an emergency meeting with two members from the board, consisting of ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and ICC Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani, who were present in Pakistan to meet with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to discuss reconsidering their decision of not playing against the Men in Blue. According to Telecom Asia Sport, PCB has asked for three things from the apex body.
India vs Pakistan back on the table
Back on 1st February, the Pakistan government announced its participation confirmation in the T20 World Cup through a social media post. However, it also read that the men’s team wouldn’t take the field against India at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. This decision was taken to showcase solidarity with Bangladesh was removed from the competition after its refusal to travel to India.
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The emergency meeting held between Pakistan and the ICC was also attended by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief, Aminul Islam. As per the reports, Pakistan is expected to back down, but the ICC has made specific requests. Not only has PCB, but Bangladesh has also put in some requests.
Bangladesh make their request to the ICC
As per the source, Bangladesh’s request stated, “Bangladesh, too, has demanded monetary compensation from the ICC and one global event, maybe the next Under-19 World Cup in 2028.”
The source also read, “During the meeting PCB chairman presented before ICC a few conditions including increase in Pakistan’s annual funding, India reviving bilateral series and their players shake hands in an India-Pakistan match.”
Pakistan ranks fourth in annual revenue, at around USD 34.5 million, behind India, Australia, and England. They have demanded to increase the revenue from the apex body. Except for that, they have also demanded that the bilateral series between India and Pakistan should be resumed.
Final decision still awaits
However, the latter decision stands entirely on the government’s decision, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) controls it. The India vs Pakistan bilateral series was last played back in 2013. PCB also demanded that the players should shake hands in an India-Pakistan match, which the Men in Blue stopped to showcase solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The ICC authorities informed both sides that their demands would be conveyed to the ICC Board. However, the final decision on the India-Pakistan match would be made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, after the government of Pakistan stated its determination not to play.
Naqvi is set to have a discussion with Sharif within the next 24-48 hours, and a final decision on the India vs Pakistan matter is expected in the coming days. Sri Lanka Cricket has also written a letter to the PCB to reconsider their decision, as the co-hosts might have to incur a loss if the India vs Pakistan match does not take place.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan bilateral series resumption demanded by Mohsin Naqvi to end T20 World Cup boycott
