New Delhi:
The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is back on track, according to sources, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) softened its earlier stance on boycotting the match. The Group A fixture is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, and the development comes after crucial negotiations involving the PCB, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Lahore.
Pakistan had earlier announced its decision to boycott the match in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was removed from the tournament after refusing to travel to India for its scheduled games. However, following diplomatic and cricketing discussions over the weekend, the PCB is now believed to have relented and agreed in principle to play the match against India.
Official Announcement Still Pending
Despite the positive signals, the PCB has not yet officially confirmed its participation. Reports from Pakistan suggest that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated negotiations with the ICC are still ongoing and that a final decision will be taken after consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
PCB’s Demands and ICC’s Response
During the Lahore meeting, the PCB reportedly placed multiple demands before the ICC, including compensation-related proposals and future hosting considerations. However, sources indicate that the Jay Shah-led ICC rejected some of the key proposals, leading to intense negotiations before Pakistan decided to soften its boycott stance.
High-Stakes Match for Group A
The India-Pakistan clash is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, with both teams placed in Group A alongside other teams. Any boycott could have had serious sporting and commercial consequences, given the massive global viewership and sponsorship stakes tied to the fixture.
If confirmed, the match on February 15 will go ahead as scheduled, ensuring fans worldwide get to witness another blockbuster chapter in the historic cricket rivalry.