Intro
Back-channel negotiations intensify after ICC flags financial risks of Pakistan boycott
Dubai
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, widely regarded as the tournament’s biggest revenue driver, could yet take place, with fresh talks underway between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Pakistan had earlier announced it would boycott the February 15 clash in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was removed from the T20 World Cup. The decision sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, given the fixture’s commercial and broadcast significance. However, according to a report, Pakistan has softened its stance after the ICC warned of potential financial damages if the team fails to honour the fixture.
Sources indicated that several back-channel discussions have already taken place, with the ICC making it clear that PCB’s claim of “force majeure” may not hold. In its formal communication, the ICC reportedly told PCB that the situation cited does not automatically qualify under the clause and asked the board to explain what steps it had taken to mitigate the issue.
“The ICC will now engage in a structured manner to solve the problem; there would be dialogue, not confrontation,” an official was quoted as saying. Following the ICC’s letter, the PCB approached the governing body to initiate further discussions and explore possible resolutions.
In its defence, the PCB cited a February 1 social media post by the Pakistan government, which instructed the team to participate in the T20 World Cup but boycott the India match. The ICC, however, responded that PCB was invoking force majeure “without any further explanation or justification.”
Meanwhile, concerns over the wider financial fallout have also emerged. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has written to the PCB, urging it to reconsider its decision, warning that the boycott would hurt not just the ICC but host boards as well.
“From ticket demand, it was evident this match would have given a huge economic boost,” SLC secretary Bandula Dissanayake said, calling the situation “grim.”
In response, the PCB has informed SLC that it will consult the Pakistan government and examine possible options for a U-turn, keeping hopes alive for cricket’s most high-profile rivalry to return to the World Cup stage.