The suspense over the India-Pakistan match scheduled for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15th is deepening. According to reports, the ICC has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) conditions, further complicating the situation regarding the hosting of the much-anticipated match.

PCB Sets Three Major Conditions

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi placed three key demands before the ICC to end the boycott. Pakistan wanted the ICC to ask India to play a bilateral series. Furthermore, demands were also made for a tri-series between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and for the Indian team to tour Bangladesh.

Pakistani Prime Minister to Make Final Decision

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, and Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam attended the crucial meeting held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The meeting lasted approximately five hours. After the meeting concludes, the final decision will be taken at the Pakistan government level. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will submit a detailed briefing to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, based on which the board may announce its official decision within the next 24 hours.

ICC Rejects Conditions

According to media reports, the ICC clarified that bilateral series are decided at the level of the respective cricket boards and governments. The ICC only formulates the framework of the Future Tour Program (FTP), while the boards decide on the series' organization, schedule, and agreements among themselves. The ICC clearly stated that it cannot force any country to play bilateral cricket.

The decision of the government and BCCI will be final

Cricketing relations between India and Pakistan are not limited to sports, but also involve political considerations. The ICC also reiterated that any decision to resume an India-Pakistan series is impossible without the approval of the BCCI and the Indian government. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan persists with its boycott or agrees to play the World Cup following the ICC's tough stance.

The Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled.

The Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka as scheduled for the T20 World Cup. BCCI sources have clarified that the team will arrive in Sri Lanka before February 15th and will fully comply with all ICC protocols. However, the final decision regarding the conduct of the match will be made by the on-field match referee.