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The recent decision by Pakistan to bar the national team from playing India at the T20 World Cup 2026 has prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to begin back-channel efforts to resolve the issue.
According to media reports, the international cricket body is keen to explore possible options and address concerns raised by Pakistan ahead of the match scheduled for February 15 in Sri Lanka.
A well-placed source also confirmed that a couple of other cricket boards have stepped in to assist the ICC in reaching a settlement with the Pakistan Cricket Board to avoid major financial losses.
Last week, the government of Pakistan announced that the Men in Green will participate in the marquee event but barred the team from playing against their arch-rivals in the much-awaited group stage game.
Some cricket analysts have called the move by the government a mistake, noting that no formal justification was offered, but sources said the PCB plans to rely on past ICC dispute proceedings.
It is worth noting that the PCB had filed a case against India in 2018 after the Board of Control for Cricket in India failed to honour a 2014 agreement to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023.
During those proceedings, the cricket authority in India said it could not tour Pakistan due to Indian government instructions but failed to provide written confirmation when requested, sources said.
Officials fear that, as in 2018, the influence of India within the ICC could again lead to a ruling against Pakistan, possibly resulting in penalties or sanctions.
The decision by Pakistan is also believed to be influenced by a recent ICC ruling involving Bangladesh, which was excluded from a World Cup after seeking to move matches on security grounds.
The India-Pakistan fixture is the most lucrative match in world cricket, with media reports estimating its total commercial value at about $500 million.
After Pakistan’s announcement, the ICC urged the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution, warning that selective participation undermines sporting integrity and fairness.
Media reports said that the Men in Blue will travel to Colombo for the scheduled match, and if Pakistan do not field a team, India are expected to receive the two points.
