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LAHORE: The meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials is currently underway here on Sunday to revive Pakistan-India clash in the T20 World Cup 2026.
According to sources privy to the matter, the outcome of the talks could prove pivotal for the tournament and the future handling of politically sensitive fixtures in international cricket.
The ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, arrived in Lahore in the evening.
According to sources, the ICC has tasked Khwaja with persuading PCB leadership to reconsider Pakistan’s stance, with the governing body keen to reach a compromise that ensures the blockbuster encounter proceeds as scheduled.
Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has also urged the PCB to reconsider the boycott decision ahead of the India clash, citing the game’s long-term interests.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
During the meeting, BCB president Aminul Islam expressed gratitude for the support of Bangladesh’s stance in the World Cup row against India.
PCB CEO Salman Naseer and advisor Amir Mir were also present in the meeting.
For those unaware, the meetings come on the back of the much-anticipated fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most commercially significant contests, remains uncertain after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team not to take the field against India in Colombo.
The match is scheduled for February 15 and carries massive implications both financially and competitively.
The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions following Bangladesh’s refusal to play matches in India due to security concerns, a decision that led to their replacement by Scotland.
In response, the Pakistan government barred the national side from participating in the high-profile Group A encounter against co-hosts India.
Pakistan, who opened their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7, stand to lose two vital points and suffer a significant blow to their net run rate if they forfeit the contest.
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