The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is now highly likely to take place.
Positive signs have emerged regarding the match after crucial discussions between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to sources, this high-voltage match, scheduled for February 15th, is now considered almost certain.
A report has confirmed that both sides are very close to reaching a conclusion and the match is likely to be given the green light.
ICC and PCB Discussions Intensify
According to reports, two ICC representatives, Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani, arrived in Lahore on Sunday morning.
Earlier reports indicated that discussions between the ICC and PCB had finally begun after the Pakistani government’s decision not to allow their team to play against India.
The PCB had cited Force Majeure in this matter, stating that they had received instructions from the government not to play against India. The government did not provide any clear reason or details for this decision.
The ICC then asked the PCB what efforts they had made to resolve the situation under the tournament rules.
The PCB also stated that Pakistan’s boycott of the match against India was in support of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh had refused to travel to India due to security concerns, after which Scotland was included in the tournament in their place.
Co-host Sri Lanka’s Concerns and the Further Schedule
Although the Pakistani government had given its team permission to play in the T20 World Cup, it had prevented them from playing against India. This match is considered the biggest commercial match for the ICC and broadcasters.
Following this decision, Sri Lanka Cricket wrote a letter to the PCB, warning that if the February 15th match did not take place, Sri Lanka Cricket would suffer heavy financial losses and the tournament’s image would also be damaged.
Sri Lanka is co-hosting this World Cup with India. The Pakistan team will play all its matches in Colombo and Pallekele and will begin its campaign with a match against the Netherlands.
Both India and Pakistan have made a good start to the tournament by winning their respective first matches.
