India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash Likely to Go Ahead, ICC and PCB in Final Talks

February 9, 2026:  The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are close to making a decision about the February 15 T20 World Cup match between rivals India and Pakistan, the Times of India report said. Most likely, the big match will get a green signal.

It is also learned that Imran Khawaja and Mubashir Usmani, two ICC representatives, reached Lahore on Sunday morning. According to the Times of India report, dialogue had started on Saturday between the PCB and ICC after the Pakistan government decided to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo on February 15.

PCB Cites Government Orders, ICC Seeks Explanation

The PCB had used Force Majeure, saying the government had instructed them not to play against India in the group stage. The government did not give any more explanation. In response, the ICC asked the PCB to explain how it tried to solve the problem according to the tournament rules.

Pakistan chose to boycott the India match in support of Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India for World Cup matches, citing security concerns.

Financial Concerns and Tournament Impact

Even though the Pakistan government allowed the national team to play in the T20 World Cup, it barred them from playing India. This match is the biggest commercial draw for the ICC and its broadcast partners.

The decision also led Sri Lanka Cricket to write to the PCB. They warned that skipping the February 15 match would cause big financial losses and harm the tournament’s image in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the event with India.

Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo and Pallekele, starting with their game against the Netherlands on Saturday. Both India and Pakistan won their first matches, beating the USA and the Netherlands, respectively.