The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15, faced a significant threat of boycott from Pakistan. However, recent developments suggest a major U-turn is likely, with Pakistan now expected to participate in the fixture after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected several key demands made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB had initially sought the ICC’s intervention on various issues during a recent meeting. Among their primary demands was the resumption of bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan, a practice halted since 2012-13. The ICC, however, informed the PCB that this matter was not within its jurisdiction. Other rejected demands included India touring Bangladesh for an upcoming series, the establishment of a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and the awarding of an ICC event to Bangladesh.
The boycott threat stemmed partly from Pakistan’s solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which had withdrawn from the 2026 T20 World Cup after the ICC declined its request to shift matches to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. Interestingly, reports indicate that the BCB has now requested Pakistan to go ahead and play against India.
Despite the ICC’s firm stance against their demands, the PCB appears to be moving towards participation. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is slated to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, with the government expected to give the green light. Naqvi is then anticipated to hold a press conference to officially confirm Pakistan’s decision to play. Meanwhile, Team India remains prepared to travel to Sri Lanka for the game, confident of securing crucial points regardless of Pakistan’s final call. The cricket world eagerly awaits the official announcement that will hopefully put an end to this tense standoff.