The International Cricket Council (ICC) has quietly begun back-channel negotiations after Pakistan decided not to play its high-profile T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. The fixture was scheduled for February 15 and is considered the most valuable game in world cricket. Pakistan’s decision, announced nearly two weeks in advance, has triggered urgent diplomatic and sporting efforts to prevent financial and reputational damage to the tournament.
Sources familiar with the matter said the ICC is engaging multiple stakeholders to find a compromise. A few other cricket boards have also stepped in to help mediate between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The early notice has given the governing body limited room to explore solutions that could address Pakistan’s concerns without disrupting the tournament structure.
ICC Scrambles to Protect Tournament Integrity
Pakistan’s announcement did not include a formal reason for skipping the India match. This has drawn criticism from some observers. They argue that past World Cup forfeits by other teams were backed by explicit government instructions or security concerns. Examples include Australia and the West Indies refusing to play Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup. England and New Zealand also forfeited matches in the 2003 edition for political reasons.
However, sources say the PCB has taken a calculated approach. Pakistan is expected to rely on proceedings from the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). The case dates back to 2018 and involves India’s failure to honour a bilateral series agreement signed in 2014. Under that memorandum of understanding, Pakistan and India were to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023.
In return, Pakistan had supported the ICC’s controversial “Big Three” revenue-sharing model. That framework gave India, Australia, and England a larger share of ICC income. During the DRC hearings, the PCB questioned the BCCI’s repeated refusal to tour Pakistan. Initially, the Indian board said it was not required to justify its decision. Later, it cited verbal instructions from the Indian government. No written directive was ever produced.
Financial Stakes and Bangladesh Factor
Despite this background, there are concerns that Pakistan could again face an unfavourable outcome. The BCCI’s influence within the ICC remains significant. If Pakistan is penalised, officials may consider approaching an international court of arbitration. That option remains on the table, according to sources.
Pakistan’s stance is also linked to a recent ICC decision involving Bangladesh. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds. Instead, Bangladesh was excluded from the tournament and replaced by Scotland. The decision passed by a 14-2 vote. Pakistan and Bangladesh were the only boards to oppose it.
The India-Pakistan match is central to the ICC’s commercial model. Media estimates place its total value at nearly $500 million. This includes broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and advertising revenue. A single 10-second advertisement during the match can cost millions of rupees.
ICC Warning and Possible Match Outcome
Following Pakistan’s move, the ICC issued a firm statement. It said selective participation undermines fairness and sporting integrity. The council urged the PCB to find a solution that protects all stakeholders. While acknowledging government roles, the ICC stressed that fans worldwide would suffer.
Reports suggest that if Pakistan does not field a team, India will still travel to Colombo. Under tournament rules, India would then be awarded the points by default.
