PCB asks ICC to step in on India ties as T20 World Cup standoff nears decision

New Delhi | 9 February 2026 The ongoing uncertainty over the India-Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup appears close to a turning point. A senior ICC delegation visited Pakistan on Sunday to hold urgent talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi after Pakistan announced it would not play India on February 15 in Colombo. The decision, taken earlier this month by the Pakistan government, was meant to show solidarity with Bangladesh, who exited the tournament after declining to travel to India. The meeting was attended by ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam. According to a Telecom Asia Sport report, Pakistan signaled willingness to soften its stance but placed three key demands before the ICC. These included a higher share of ICC revenue for Pakistan, efforts to restart bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, and a reminder about on-field sportsmanship following the Asia Cup no-handshake incident. A source quoted in the report said, “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.” Naqvi reportedly stressed that players should respect the spirit of the game and follow traditional gestures of sportsmanship during high-profile matches. Bangladesh also raised its concerns during the talks. BCB president Aminul Islam asked the ICC for financial compensation and hosting rights for a major tournament in the future. As per the report, “Bangladesh, too, has demanded monetary compensation from the ICC and one global event, maybe the next Under-19 World Cup in 2028.” ICC officials assured both boards that their requests would be placed before the ICC Board for consideration. Despite these discussions, the final decision on whether Pakistan will play India rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, since the boycott call was made at the government level. Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is expected to meet the Prime Minister within the next 24 to 48 hours. A clear verdict is likely in the coming days. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has also urged Pakistan to rethink its position, reminding the PCB of past support and calling for cooperation at a crucial moment for international cricket. PCB sets conditions before ICC as India–Pakistan T20 World Cup issue heads for final call The long-running uncertainty around the India–Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup is now close to a decision. On Sunday, a two-member ICC delegation reached Pakistan to meet PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi after Pakistan announced it would not play India on February 15 in Colombo. The boycott call was made by the Pakistan government earlier this month, citing solidarity with Bangladesh, who withdrew from the tournament after refusing to travel to India. During the meeting, Pakistan made it clear that it is open to reconsidering its stand, but only if certain demands are addressed. According to a report, the PCB asked for a higher share of ICC revenue, support in restarting bilateral cricket ties with India, and adherence to basic on-field sportsmanship. Referring to the Asia Cup no-handshake incident, a source said, “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.” The discussion also included Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam, who placed his own demands before the ICC. Bangladesh reportedly asked for financial compensation and hosting rights for a future global event. As mentioned in the report, “Bangladesh, too, has demanded monetary compensation from the ICC and one global event, maybe the next Under-19 World Cup in 2028.” ICC officials assured both boards that these requests would be taken to the ICC Board for review. Even after these talks, the final word on the India–Pakistan match will come from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, since the original decision was taken at the government level. Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is expected to meet the Prime Minister soon, and a clear decision is likely in the coming days. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has also urged Pakistan to rethink its move, reminding the PCB of mutual support in the past.