
Pakistan Cricket Board Reconsiders India Match Boycott Amid ICC Talks Ahead of T20 World Cup
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially announced a boycott of their February 15, 2026, T20 World Cup match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was removed from the tournament after refusing to play in India citing security concerns. Following intense negotiations involving the PCB, International Cricket Council (ICC), and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), including meetings in Lahore with ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan is reportedly reconsidering its stance. The PCB has presented three key demands to the ICC: increased annual funding, revival of bilateral cricket with India, and enforcement of on-field handshake protocols. The final decision is expected after PCB consultations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the ICC warning of financial and legal consequences if Pakistan withdraws. Discussions continue amid political sensitivities and commercial stakes surrounding the high-profile fixture.










