ICC representatives in Lahore to talk with PCB over IND vs PAK boycott issue

While the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 already started, with India and Pakistan both having already played their tournament opener, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve Pakistan's boycott over India vs Pakistan Group A match.

Why have Pakistan threatened to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India?

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to travel to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns for the players. The PCB is the only supporter of the BCB, who demanded to shift all their tournament matches to the other hosts Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will also play all their matches in the tournament, as the PCB has also refused to travel to India for the tournament. 

Watch: Bangladeshi people in street to protest removal of nation in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

With no proper solution in a very short period before the beginning of the tournament, the ICC was forced to remove Bangladesh from the tournament, and Scotland replaced them. However, the PCB was completely unhappy with the decision, as they strongly protested against Bangladesh's removal from the tournament, while the BCB hasn't protested against the ICC's decision. 

Recently, the Pakistan government officially informed that Pakistan will not play the match against India, which has been scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. By withdrawing from the match, Pakistan will lose two important points from the group, but it will hugely affect financially. Even the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has also requested the PCB to think about the match again and reconsider their decision.

ICC representatives in Lahore to discuss with the PCB over IND vs PAK boycott issue

According to the latest news, Imran Khwaja and Mubahir Usmani, the two ICC representatives, are in Lahore to talk with the PCB and confirm their participation in the match against India. While they are in Lahore on the reported invitation from the PCB, the BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul is also reportedly present in this crucial meeting. 

There is news that the PCB can reconsider its present boycott stance by talking with the government.