ICC asks deputy chair Imran Khwaja to step in, convince Pak in boycott dispute

As tensions mount ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly assigned its deputy chairman, Imran Khwaja, to initiate back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an effort to resolve the standoff over Pakistan’s scheduled match against India.

According to reports, Khwaja, who also represents the Singapore Cricket Association, has been tasked with leading discreet negotiations to persuade Pakistan to honour its February 15 group-stage fixture against India in Colombo.

The move comes after Pakistan’s government confirmed its team’s participation in the tournament but announced it would boycott the match against India, triggering a diplomatic and sporting deadlock.

The decision has unsettled fans, broadcasters and cricket administrators, given the historic significance and commercial value of India-Pakistan encounters in ICC events. While the PCB has yet to submit formal written confirmation of the boycott to the ICC, the uncertainty surrounding the fixture has intensified concerns within the governing body.

Amid the growing controversy, India head coach Gautam Gambhir chose not to comment on Pakistan’s decision. Speaking to reporters at Delhi airport before departing for Mumbai for a warm-up match against South Africa, Gambhir thanked the media for their support but declined to respond to questions regarding the boycott.

The situation originates from a directive by the Government of Pakistan, which, while permitting the national team to take part in the T20 World Cup, has withheld approval for the side to face India. This has placed the future of one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures in serious doubt.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for several years, with encounters limited to ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments. Any disruption to these matches carries significant sporting, financial and symbolic implications.