NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are engaged in back-channel talks to resolve the situation surrounding the highly anticipated group-stage clash between Pakistan and India at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Following instructions from the Government of Pakistan, the national team will skip the February 15 match against India in Colombo but will continue to participate in their remaining fixtures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explained that the decision reflects Pakistan's support for Bangladesh, who were excluded from the tournament after refusing to play in India, one of the co-hosts alongside Sri Lanka.
'ICC will take strict action': BCCI hits out at Pakistan over India match boycott
While the PCB has remained silent on the boycott, the ICC issued a statement urging the board to "explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders."
Behind the scenes, efforts to resolve the issue have involved ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani of the Emirates Cricket Board, who have been in talks with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Salman Naseer, head of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and senior advisor to Naqvi.
These discussions reportedly began even before the boycott was officially announced, following Naqvi's concerns over Pakistan's participation and government directives being cited as a decisive factor.
Since the boycott was announced, the ICC has turned its attention to addressing the PCB's concerns to ensure the high-profile clash goes ahead as scheduled. Khwaja, who has previously mediated disputes involving the PCB, BCCI, and ICC, is playing a key role in these efforts.
Pakistan are placed in Group A with defending champions India, the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will be held from February 7 to March 8.
