Pakistan likely to play T20 World Cup match against India

Published: 01:01 PM, 9 Feb, 2026
Sports, Cricket
Pakistan likely to play T20 World Cup match against India
Caption: File Photo

Pakistan has decided to play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, sources confirmed. The cricket sources said that ICC has accpeted most of the demands of the PCB thefore Pakistan is likely to play match against India as per the T20 World Cup schedule. 

However, the final decsion will be made by  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The three-way talks involved PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB Chief Aminul Islam with International Cricket Council (ICC) Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday night.

According to sources, the PCB chairman informed the ICC official of Pakistan’s stance. Mohsin Naqvi linked final decision with government’s approval after Imran Khawaja requested Pakistan to end their boycott of India match, which is scheduled to by played on coming Sunday.

Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif very soon, and if Pakistan retains its boycott decision then the ICC would suffer huge financial losses.

There were also reports that the PCB will again contact the ICC today as the world cricket body has sought time until today evening to settle things with the Bangladesh board.

The five-hour-long talks also pondered upon ways to somehow compensate Bangladesh. Both Imran Khawaja and Aminul Islam have left Lahore take final words from their respective bosses.

According to the sources, the ICC official gave an encouraging response to the Bangladesh’s demands, and if everything went ahead smoothly then there would be a chance of breakthrough in next 24 to 48 hours.

Pakistan appeared to be played to the role of a facilitator in bringing both ICC and the BCB to one table, the sources added.

The sources said Naqvi is expected to meet the prime minister to seek guidance on the ICC’s request regarding Pakistan’s participation in the match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Sri Lanka. “The PM will take the final decision after detailed consultations," the source indicated.

Reports circulating in Indian media suggested that the PCB has placed a set of conditions before the ICC for agreeing to play against India in the T20 World Cup.

These include an increased share of ICC revenue, restoration of bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India, continuation of the hybrid hosting model for ICC events, and compensation related to Bangladesh’s participation.

While discussions with the ICC are ongoing, the matter has now moved beyond cricketing considerations, with political clearance seen as essential.

Another report said the issued may be placed before the federal cabinet for deliberations on the broader implications before PM Shehbaz Sharif gives his final approval on Pakistan’s participation in the blackbluster clash.

Reporter Ijaz Wasim Bakhri

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