Matter entirely left on ICC: BCCI on India-Pakistan fixture

Uncertainty continues to surround the high-voltage India vs Pakistan group-stage match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo during the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan’s initial reluctance to play against India sparked widespread debate in the cricketing world.

 Amid the speculation, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla has now clarified the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s official position, stating that the matter has been left entirely to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

As per the reports, during a dinner hosted by Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir at his New Delhi residence on Sunday, Rajiv Shukla made BCCI’s stance clear, saying that BCCI has left the entire matter to the ICC and the Indian board will fully abide by whatever decision the ICC takes.

The statement indicates that the Indian board is deliberately maintaining distance from the controversy, especially in light of the political and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the issue. Pakistan’s reported decision to skip the India clash in Colombo had earlier sent shockwaves across the cricket fraternity. According to reports, the move was linked to Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh, which had refused to tour India citing security concerns.

However, subsequent discussions between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appear to have eased tensions. Reports suggest that Pakistan has now agreed in principle to play the match, though certain conditions have reportedly been placed before the ICC.

While off-field developments continue to draw attention, the Indian team remains firmly focused on its on-field commitments. Following a convincing win against the USA, Team India looks well-set under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The side will now aim to build on the momentum and secure its second consecutive victory when it takes on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.