IND vs PAK Still On! PCB opens dialogue with ICC over boycotting T20 World Cup 2026 clash: Reports
The IND vs PAK clash will take place on February 15 in Colombo.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 began on February 7, but uncertainty still surrounds the crucial India vs Pakistan match. Both sides are part of Group A in the tournament and are scheduled to clash on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Opposing Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Government has denied permission to their players to play against India. Scotland replaced Bangladesh as the ICC refused their last-minute request to relocate their matches out of India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was unhappy with the ICC’s actions and was initially considering boycotting the tournament. However, after meeting with the Pakistan government, they were allowed to participate in the campaign, but did not get permission to play against India.
Notably, PCB has not given an official statement to ICC over the matter so far. In the last few weeks, PCB and ICC were engaged in backdoor communication over the matter. ICC also informed PCB of the severe consequences they could face for boycotting the game against India.
The PCB supported their decision to boycott the match against India by invoking the force majeure clause. The Force Majeure clause refers to unforeseeable circumstances that can prevent a contract from being fulfilled.
PCB and ICC resume talks on India vs Pakistan clash
According to a report from India Today, PCB and ICC have resumed official talks on the India vs Pakistan clash. An ICC official informed that the governing body will now engage in proper dialogue to solve the issue.
“The ICC will now engage in a structured manner to solve the problem, there would be a dialogue not confrontation,” an official said.
The report also added that PCB has reached out to ICC to initiate further discussion over the matter.
“Following receipt of the ICC’s detailed response, the PCB has since reached out to initiate further dialogue. An ICC official confirmed that discussions are currently underway in a structured manner to explore possible resolutions,” a report from India Today read.
Notably, the India vs Pakistan game is among the most-watched matches in ICC tournaments. Pakistan’s boycott would result in the broadcaster suffering huge losses. It will also impact the revenues of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), as they will host the encounter in Colombo.
Meanwhile, Pakistan commenced the tournament on a winning note by crushing the Netherlands by seven wickets on Saturday, February 7. They will now clash with the USA on February 10 before facing India.
When will the India vs Pakistan match take place?
The India vs Pakistan match will take place on February 15 in Colombo.
India and Pakistan are placed in which group in the T20 World Cup 2026?
India and Pakistan are placed in Group A.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.