ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council has assigned the task of mediation to its deputy chairman Imran Khwaja to start back-channel talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board following Islamabad’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India.
The move comes after Pakistan confirmed participation in the tournament but refused to play the February 15 group match with India, scheduled in Colombo.
Khwaja, who represents the Singapore Cricket Association, is widely viewed within the ICC as a neutral figure capable of engaging all parties.
Consequently, he has been tasked with persuading Pakistan to reconsider its stance and take the field against India during the high-profile fixture.
Political and cricketing fault lines
Pakistan’s decision followed the ICC’s removal of Bangladesh from the tournament after Dhaka requested venue changes outside India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board sought the shift after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL at the Indian board’s direction, triggering anger in Bangladesh.
Subsequently, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, citing scheduling constraints.
Government sources in Pakistan said the boycott aimed to express solidarity with Bangladesh. They also accused the ICC leadership of biased decision-making, alleging that the council increasingly reflects the interests of the Indian cricket board. Officials argued that unequal standards had eroded fairness within global cricket governance.
Financial stakes raise pressure
Meanwhile, the ICC urged the PCB to work toward a mutually acceptable solution, warning that the boycott harms the sport and its global fanbase. The council stressed that India–Pakistan matches underpin the tournament’s commercial viability.
Broadcasters face significant losses if the fixture does not take place. Industry estimates value a single India–Pakistan T20 match at around $500 million.
Pakistan’s boycott of the match with India alone could cause advertising revenue loss of 300 crore Indian rupees (Rs 3 billion). The Indian cricket authorities have estimated losses of 200 crore if the game is cancelled.
