India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Match Breakthrough Soon

Lahore, February 9:

A breakthrough in the India vs Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match standoff is expected soon after a key meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), according to Pakistan media reports.

Reports said the dispute may be resolved through mutual consultation within the next 24 hours.

ICC, PCB and BCB Hold Meeting in Lahore

Pakistan media said an ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB President Aminul Islam in Lahore on Sunday.

The meeting focused on Pakistan’s decision to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Pakistan to Consult Government Before Final Decision

Geo TV reported that the PCB will consult the Pakistan government to get clear guidance on the matter.

The report added that a formal announcement may come soon.

Pakistan Government Announced Boycott Earlier

The standoff began after the official X handle of the Pakistan Government announced that Pakistan would not play the February 15 clash against India.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked the boycott to the Bangladesh controversy and called it a symbol of solidarity.

Bangladesh-Scotland Change Linked to Dispute

The issue also involves Bangladesh’s replacement by Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh had reportedly requested that all their matches be played outside India. However, the ICC did not accept the demand.

The controversy reportedly escalated after Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the squad following instructions from the BCCI. The move came amid concerns over atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.

ICC Asks PCB to Justify Force Majeure Claim

According to ESPNCricinfo, the ICC asked the PCB to show what steps it took to mitigate the ‘Force Majeure’ event.

The ICC received an email from the PCB citing government orders as the reason for its boycott. The message came less than 10 days before the start of the tournament.

The ICC reportedly explained that Force Majeure can only be invoked under strict conditions. It also requires a high evidentiary threshold for non-participation.

ICC Warns PCB of Potential Consequences

The ICC also informed the PCB that cancelling the match could cause major sporting, commercial, and governance damage.

Reports said the ICC wants to avoid confrontation. However, under its constitution, the ICC can suspend or terminate a membership in case of a major breach of obligations.

PCB Cites Past PCB-BCCI Dispute as Precedent

The PCB reportedly believes it has a strong case if the matter turns contentious.

Pakistan media referred to an old PCB-BCCI dispute that reached the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee. The dispute involved the BCCI allegedly failing to honour a 2014 MoU to play bilateral series between 2013 and 2015.

PCB lost the claim for damages, but it believes the Indian government’s refusal to grant permission for that series creates a precedent.