Explained: Why ICC trusts Imran Khwaja to handle the ongoing India-Pakistan T20 World Cup problem

When the ICC needs a calm problem-solver, Imran Khwaja is the name that often comes up. He is known for speaking to powerful people without creating more tension.

Khwaja is once again in the spotlight amid the controversy over a possible Pakistan boycott of the India match at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The issue has raised concerns within the ICC, given the importance of the fixture.

The Pakistan government has indicated it does not want its team to play India in the February 15 group match in Colombo. In response, the ICC has turned to its deputy chair to steady the situation and protect cricket’s biggest rivalry.

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A Neutral Voice in a Political Storm

Imran Khwaja, a representative of the Singapore Cricket Association, is seen as a rare neutral voice within the ICC. He is respected by both Full and Associate members and is trusted by administrators from the subcontinent and other regions.

His task is simple but politically sensitive. He has been asked to hold quiet talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board and find a way to keep the India vs Pakistan match on the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule.

The Power Behind the Boardroom Door

A lawyer by profession, the 64-year-old has been part of the ICC leadership since 2008 and has served as deputy chair since 2017. He has been involved in some of the ICC’s most powerful committees, including finance, nominations, membership, and development.

Khwaja also played a key role in shaping the ICC’s modern constitution. This change reduced the control of a few big boards and gave Associate nations a stronger voice.

He has often stepped in during difficult periods for the ICC. When Shashank Manohar stepped down in 2020, Khwaja became interim chair and helped guide the organisation through a challenging, pandemic-hit schedule.