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Pakistan Set for U-Turn, India Clash Likely on Feb 15

  • By Thetripurapost Sports Desk, Lahore
  • Feb 09, 2026
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected all three conditions set by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for playing India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, issuing what sources described as a final ultimatum to the PCB, media reports said.

Following a marathon meeting in Lahore on Sunday, Pakistan is now expected to reverse its boycott threat and face India in Colombo on February 15, according to ICC sources cited by Dainik Bhaskar. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has confirmed it is fully prepared to host the high-profile match as scheduled.

Two ICC representatives—deputy chairman Imran Khawaja and Mubashir Usmani—arrived in Lahore on Sunday morning for talks with PCB officials. The meeting at Gaddafi Stadium lasted nearly five hours and was attended by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC deputy chairman Khawaja, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam, while ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta joined virtually.

Pakistan had earlier announced it would boycott the match against India, placing three demands before the ICC: an increased share of ICC revenue, resumption of bilateral series with India, and strict enforcement of on-field handshake protocols. The ICC rejected all three, sources said. Pakistan currently receives about 5.75 percent of ICC revenue, making it the fourth-largest shareholder after India, England and Australia.

Sri Lanka Cricket has warned the PCB that cancellation of the India–Pakistan fixture would cause significant financial losses and harm the image of the tournament. In an email to the PCB, SLC said the match was critical for revenue, as Sri Lanka is co-hosting the tournament with India.

The final decision now rests with the Pakistan government. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to brief Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, with a formal announcement likely within 24 hours.
Pakistan had confirmed participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup on February 1 but announced it would not play India on February 15, following the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the tournament over security concerns raised by Dhaka. The ICC later said Pakistan’s stance could impact the global cricket ecosystem and urged the PCB to reconsider.

BCCI sources have said the Indian team will tour Sri Lanka as scheduled and comply with all ICC protocols. The final on-field decision will be taken by the match referee.

In the group stage, Pakistan has already beaten the Netherlands by three wickets on February 7 and will play the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. India will face the United States on February 7, Namibia on February 12 and the Netherlands on February 18.