T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Delivers Ultimatum To PCB, Will Pakistan Abandon India Match Boycott?

New Delhi: The suspense surrounding the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan on February 15 appears to be coming to an end. According to reports, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are very close to reaching a decision on holding the match, and it is highly likely that this high-voltage encounter will soon be given the green light. In this regard, two ICC representatives, Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani, arrived in Lahore on Sunday morning to hold discussions with the PCB and resolve the matter.

The controversy began when the Pakistani government decided to boycott the match against India in Colombo. Following this government order, the PCB refused to play, citing 'force majeure'. Pakistan's move was intended to show solidarity with Bangladesh, which had refused to travel to India due to security concerns, and whose place in the tournament is now being taken by Scotland.

What did ICC demand from PCB?

The ICC has taken a strong stance on the boycott and has demanded an explanation from the PCB. The global body has asked the Pakistani board what efforts they made to resolve the impasse under the tournament rules. Although the Pakistani government had given its team permission to play in the World Cup, it had prohibited them from playing against India. This match is the most lucrative fixture for the ICC and broadcasters, hence the considerable pressure to ensure it goes ahead.

What did Sri Lanka tell PCB?

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has also written to the Pakistan board expressing its concerns. Sri Lanka is a co-host of the tournament and believes that if this major match does not take place, it will suffer significant financial losses and the tournament's image will also be negatively impacted. Currently, the Pakistani team is scheduled to play all its matches in Colombo and Pallekele. At the start of the tournament, India defeated the USA and Pakistan defeated the Netherlands, both starting their campaigns with a win.