PCB in talks with ICC over India match as T20 World Cup begins

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its participation in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against India on February 15 in Colombo, amid indications that the board may reconsider its earlier stance of not playing the match.

According to reports, the PCB initiated dialogue with the ICC soon after the tournament began on February 7 and invoked the “force majeure” clause in an attempt to avoid possible sanctions if it failed to honour the match commitment.

However, the ICC has reportedly asked the PCB to explain how the clause can be applied in the present circumstances and has cautioned that failure to provide a valid justification could invite disciplinary action.

A force majeure clause generally allows a contracting party to be excused from fulfilling obligations if unforeseen and uncontrollable events make performance impossible.

Sources indicated that back-channel discussions are also under way between PCB officials and ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja to resolve the deadlock. The PCB is understood to have raised certain demands, including a request for a larger share of ICC revenues. 

Pakistan currently receives about $34.5 million annually from the ICC’s revenue pool, the fourth-largest share after India, England and Australia.

The board has also reportedly sought ICC support in facilitating the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, which has remained suspended since 2012–13 due to political tensions. Any decision on bilateral series, however, rests with the respective cricket boards and governments.

Additionally, the PCB is said to have conveyed concerns regarding on-field protocols, including post-match handshakes between players at international events.

If Pakistan does not take the field for the February 15 fixture, the match could be treated as a forfeit under tournament rules, awarding two points to India. 

Negotiations between the PCB and the ICC are continuing as both sides attempt to reach a resolution before the scheduled match.