A delegation from the International Cricket Council, led by the vice-chairman of the governing body, is set to hold discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the T20 World Cup 2026. According to reports, ICC will try to convince Pakistan to play against Team India on February 15 in Colombo.
The tension regarding the India-Pakistan match is increasing with each passing day. The situation worsened after the Pakistan government announced a boycott of the World Cup, with the PCB accusing the ICC of adopting a biased stance in removing Bangladesh from the prestigious tournament.
BCCI remains silent as PCB remains adamant on boycotting India matches
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has remained silent and continues to follow the ICC guidelines, while the PCB is adamant on boycotting the match against India. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif refused to allow the team to play India despite granting permission to participate in the event.
India–Pakistan matches remain one of the most valuable matches in world cricket due to massive broadcast, sponsorship and advertising revenues. Later, tensions increased between India and Bangladesh cricket boards after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Bangladesh then requested the ICC to move their matches out of India, but the appeal was rejected. With no scope for changes to the schedule at short notice, the ICC included Scotland in place of Bangladesh. After this step of ICC, Pakistan reiterated its stand on the match against India.
BCB president Aminul Islam in Pakistan after ICC steps in to resolve India match boycott
BCB President Aminul Islam reached Pakistan on Sunday. During his visit, he is scheduled to attend an emergency meeting called by the ICC, which is also expected to be attended by representatives of other boards.
Before returning to Dhaka, Aminul Islam will also talk to Mohsin Naqvi. The ICC delegation, led by the vice-president of the governing body, is scheduled to reach Pakistan at 4:30 pm.
The delegation is expected to hold talks with Pakistani officials to address the boycott and convince Pakistan to play the match against India in Colombo.
TOI journalist Gaurav Gupta wrote, “BIG BREAKING An #ICC delegation led by the governing body’s Vice President is visiting Pakistan today to hold talks and convince Pakistan to play the match vs India in Colombo on February 15. BCB President Amin ul Islam Bulbul will also be in Lahore.”
Big breaking
One #ICC The delegation led by the Vice President of the Governing Body is visiting Pakistan today for talks and to convince Pakistan to play the match against India in Colombo on February 15. BCB President Amin Ul Islam Bulbul will also go to Lahore.#T20WorldCup2026– Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) 8 February 2026
India-Pakistan match remains the biggest money making match of cricket
India-Pakistan match is the highest earning match in cricket. Whenever the two teams play, the game attracts huge interest from broadcasters, sponsors and advertisers.
According to reports, an India-Pakistan T20 match is worth around $500 million or around Rs 45,000 crore, which includes broadcast deals, sponsorships, advertisements, ticket sales and related businesses.
Advertisement rates for a 10-second ad slot during the match were reportedly between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, much higher than even India’s knockout games against other strong teams. The advertising revenue from this one match alone is estimated to be around Rs 300 crore.
Also read: Big twist in T20 World Cup 2026! PCB reconsidering boycott of India match after ICC warning
