The cricketing world is on tenterhooks as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to make a final call within the next 24 hours on whether to boycott its high-stakes group-stage match against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Scheduled for February 15, this fixture has always transcended sport, drawing massive global attention due to the intense rivalry between the two nations.
Tensions escalated after Pakistan refused to play alongside India in support of Bangladesh, sparking widespread speculation among fans. A crucial high-level meeting took place in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC vice-president Imran Khwaja, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam. Lasting over five hours, the discussions aimed to resolve the standoff and ensure the blockbuster clash goes ahead.
The presence of BCB representatives underscored the ICC’s determination to unite all stakeholders. Sources reveal that Pakistan and Bangladesh aligned on several key issues during the talks. For the ICC, preventing this crisis from worsening is paramount, as the India-Pakistan match is the tournament’s revenue juggernaut, powering broadcast rights, sponsorships, ads, and viewership numbers.
A boycott by Pakistan would slash the value of ICC’s broadcast package, directly impacting annual funding for member boards including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Having previously consulted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before announcing the boycott on February 2, the PCB may again seek government input before finalizing its stance. As the clock ticks, cricket enthusiasts hold their breath for what could be a make-or-break decision for the tournament’s success.