The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) changed its stance on boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India on the opening day of the tournament. According to reports, the PCB has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to start talks on withdrawing the boycott of the match against its rival.
Pakistan decided to forfeit its match against India to show support for Bangladesh after its withdrawal from the event. However, the issue is critical to the commercial success of the event, which led to several back-channel discussions aimed at convincing Pakistan to reconsider its position and reverse the boycott.
Pakistan Cricket Board resumes talks with ICC regarding the match against India
After the latest message from ICC, Pakistan has changed its stance on the match against India. The possibility of a high-profile match being played in Colombo next week on the opening day of the T20 World Cup has reopened.
Earlier, the PCB had informed the ICC that it would abandon the Group A match against India. The board said it was acting on instructions from the Pakistan government and had invoked the force majeure clause just before the start of the tournament.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the ICC responded with a detailed communication raising questions over the late withdrawal. Following this exchange, the PCB again approached the ICC to initiate talks and review its earlier decision.
Under ICC rules, the force majeure clause applies only in exceptional cases such as government order, war or natural disasters. A board using this clause must prove that playing the match was indeed unavoidable and that it took all reasonable steps to minimize the impact.
ICC rejects boycott claim, warns of wider consequences
The report said that the ICC did not accept the explanation given by the PCB for not playing the match against India. The ICC also warned that such a move could have serious sporting, commercial and governance implications.
“The ICC will now work in a structured manner to resolve the problem; there will be dialogue, not confrontation,” an official told the national daily.
“After receiving formal communication from the ICC, the PCB contacted the international body to initiate further negotiations. The ICC is currently engaging with the Board in a structured manner to explore possible solutions.”
ICC and Sri Lanka Cricket put pressure on Pakistan to reconsider
The ICC interpreted the force majeure clause and warned about potential financial and regulatory consequences, which led to the change in Pakistan’s position. For the first time since Pakistan threatened a late withdrawal last month, a game in Colombo next week looks possible.
The PCB also received a formal message from Sri Lanka Cricket, asking it to reconsider the boycott. The SLC reminded Pakistan of the support extended by Sri Lanka to maintain cricket ties during difficult times.
The development came after Pakistan’s opening match of the T20 World Cup, where they registered a tense three-wicket win over the Netherlands in Colombo. Pakistan will next play USA on February 12 at the same venue.
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