PCB To Make Dramatic Boycott U-Turn After February 12?

In a surprising twist to the ongoing T20 World Cup boycott saga, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has predicted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make a dramatic U-turn on its decision to skip the India match.

The match is scheduled for February 15, 2026, but Sharma believes a “face-saving” statement will be issued by Pakistan shortly after February 12.

The “February 12” Connection

Sharma, speaking at a Salaam Cricket event on February 5, argued that Pakistan’s current stance is tied directly to the Bangladesh General Elections, which are scheduled for February 12, 2026.

• The Political Play: Sharma suggests that Pakistan’s boycott was a performative gesture of “solidarity” with Bangladesh (after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament).
• The Prediction: Once the Bangladesh elections conclude, Sharma expects the PCB to backtrack to avoid massive ICC sanctions and financial ruin.
• The “Statement”: He even predicted the wording of the reversal: “Considering public sentiment and the fact that cricket shouldn’t suffer, Pakistan has decided to play against India in the interest of the sport.”

Why Pakistan is Likely to Backtrack

While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the boycott stance as recently as Wednesday, experts point to three massive pressures forcing a U-turn:

1. ICC Sanctions: The ICC has reportedly warned the PCB that a boycott of the tournament’s most valuable game could lead to a freeze on their annual revenue share (approx. $35 million) and a potential ban on Pakistani players in global leagues.
2. Broadcaster Legal Action: Broadcasters like JioStar have legal clauses that penalize the ICC (and subsequently the offending board) if the India-Pakistan fixture—which brings in nearly 40% of the tournament’s ad revenue—is cancelled.
3. The “Suryakumar” Factor: India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed on February 5 that the Indian team’s flights to Colombo are already booked. By being ready to play, India ensures that if Pakistan doesn’t show up, India gets two walkover points, putting Pakistan at a massive disadvantage in Group A.

Status of the Match (As of Feb 6, 2026)