After Pakistan announced it would not play its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, the International Cricket Council has asked its Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja to begin back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, Indian media reported on Wednesday.
Khwaja represents the Singapore Cricket Association, and the ICC regards him as a neutral figure. Reports say the ICC has asked him to persuade Pakistan to play the February 15 group-stage match against India in Sri Lanka.
The development follows a statement by the Pakistani government on Sunday confirming its participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 and announcing a boycott of the match against India.
Bangladesh Issue Adds to Tensions
Pakistan’s decision came amid reports that it intended to show solidarity with Bangladesh, which the ICC removed from the tournament.
The ICC had rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to move matches outside India. The request came after the Indian Premier League removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman on instructions from the Indian cricket board, a decision that sparked public anger in Bangladesh.
The ICC later replaced Bangladesh with the Scotland national cricket team, citing a lack of time to revise the schedule ahead of the tournament’s February 7 start.
Government sources said Pakistan also viewed the ICC’s handling of the matter as biased. They said officials instructed the team not to take the field against India as a form of protest.
Sources further alleged that decisions by ICC chief Jay Shah had undermined neutrality, accusing the council of applying unequal standards to different member nations.
Pakistan says it will boycott its Feb 15 T20 World Cup match against India in Sri Lanka, risking a points forfeit, following Bangladesh’s expulsion and renewed accusations of ICC double standards in the sport. pic.twitter.com/HrISi7mEKy
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 3, 2026ICC Urges Reconsideration
In response, the ICC said it hoped the PCB would work toward a “mutually acceptable resolution.” While acknowledging the authority of national governments, the council urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance.
The ICC said the boycott would harm the sport and its global audience. It added that the decision was not in the game’s interest or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
Pakistan and India sit in Group A with Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. In Sri Lanka, co-host of the tournament with India, Pakistan will play all its matches. The team will face the Netherlands on February 7, the USA on February 10, and Namibia on February 18.
Read: Pakistan to Boycott India Match at T20 World Cup 2026
Industry estimates that a single India–Pakistan T20 match is worth around $500 million (approximately INR 45,000 crore), including broadcast rights, advertising, sponsorships, ticket sales, and related commercial activity. Reports say advertisers pay roughly INR 25 lakh to INR 40 lakh for a 10‑second spot during the match—higher than rates for knockout games involving India.
Broadcasters would feel the most immediate impact. Industry projections estimate advertising revenue from the match at about INR 300 crore and potential losses of around INR 200 crore for the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
