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Lahore, February 9:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) held a meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The high-profile clash is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, according to a report by Dawn.
No Joint Statement After 4-Hour Meeting
The report said the meeting lasted nearly four hours. However, the ICC, PCB and BCB did not issue any joint declaration after the talks.
Sources in the PCB told Dawn that both sides may make an announcement only after the Pakistan Government gives approval.
ICC Has “Nothing to Offer” Bangladesh as Compensation: Report
According to Dawn’s sources, the ICC had nothing to offer Bangladesh as compensation. The report said the ICC only assured Bangladesh that it would receive its full share from ICC earnings.
ICC Deputy Chair Advises PCB to End Boycott
The report also said ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja advised the PCB to move its case to the ICC arbitration committee. He also suggested raising the matter in the ICC board meeting.
Khawaja reportedly told the PCB to end the boycott of the India-Pakistan match immediately, saying it was not good for cricket.
Pakistan Government Announced Boycott Earlier
The standoff started after the official X handle of the Pakistan Government announced that Pakistan would not play the February 15 match against India.
Later, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked the boycott to the controversy involving Bangladesh and described it as a symbol of solidarity.
Bangladesh Replaced by Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026
The issue also includes Bangladesh’s replacement by Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Bangladesh reportedly requested that all its matches be held outside India. However, the ICC did not accept this demand.
Reports said the situation escalated after Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the squad following instructions from the BCCI amid concerns related to 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, as required under the Members Participation Agreement (MPA).
The ICC reportedly received an email from the PCB citing government orders as the reason for the boycott. The email came less than 10 days before the tournament.
The ICC is also believed to have explained the strict conditions under which Force Majeure can be invoked, along with the evidentiary threshold required for non-participation.
ICC Warns PCB of Possible Damage and Action
Reports said the ICC warned the PCB about the potential sporting and commercial damage if the match does not happen.
The ICC wants to avoid confrontation. However, under its constitution, the global body can suspend or terminate membership if a major breach of obligations occurs.
PCB Cites Past PCB-BCCI Dispute as Precedent
PCB officials reportedly believe they have a strong case if the issue becomes contentious.
Pakistan media cited 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 six bilateral series between 2013 and 2015.
PCB lost the claim for damages. However, it believes the Indian government’s refusal to grant BCCI permission sets a precedent.
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