T20 World Cup 2026: The controversy regarding the India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup, which started from February 7, has reached its peak. Pakistan had decided to boycott the match against India to be held in Colombo on 15 February.
This step was taken in protest against the removal of Bangladesh from the tournament. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi adopted this stance on the instructions of the government, but the situation is now changing due to ICC’s strictness and fear of financial loss.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul reached Lahore on Sunday morning. According to sources, he will meet PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. This visit took place just before the emergency meeting of the ICC.
Bangladesh is trying to create a balance in regional cricket and hopes to find a solution by discussing Pakistan’s stand. So Bulbul will also participate in the ICC meeting.
ICC has called a virtual emergency meeting on Sunday night to resolve this dispute. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, Mohsin Naqvi and Aminul Islam Bulbul are going to participate in this. The main objective of the meeting is to convince Pakistan to play the India match.
The India-Pakistan match is the biggest attraction of the tournament. If it is boycotted, it can have a huge impact on broadcasting rights, sponsorship and revenue. Whereas ICC may suffer a loss of crores.
Pakistan had expressed boycott citing force majeure clause, but ICC made it clear that due to this the team will have to lose points and may also be fined. The PCB is now conducting back-channel negotiations.
According to reports, Pakistan may change its decision due to ICC pressure and financial risk. The role of Bangladesh is important because their issue is the root of this dispute. Now it will be interesting to see whether Pakistan agrees to play the match against India or not.
