India vs Pakistan is the biggest match in any major event of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Matches between two arch-rivals have always generated double the revenue for top organizations, broadcasters and hosts. However, a social media post from the Pakistan government, stating that they will not play against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup match, has created a stir in the cricket world.
As clouds of uncertainty still loom over the India vs Pakistan match to be held in Sri Lanka on February 15, latest reports are emerging that Pakistan may reconsider its thinking on certain conditions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in continuous discussions with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja to resolve the issues.
Pakistan is reconsidering playing against India
According to reports, Pakistan has good relations with Sri Lankan cricket and after the official email from Sri Lanka, they are considering how much loss Sri Lankan cricket may have to suffer if the match does not take place. A source said (as quoted by Telecom Asia Sports), “A solution is now in sight to go ahead with the highest revenue-generating match of the T20 World Cup.”
The PCB receives the fourth largest share of the ICC’s annual revenue pool, amounting to approximately US$34.5 million, behind India, England and Australia. “Pakistan’s tough stance has put them in a good position to bargain for some things that the PCB has been demanding for many years,” the source said. “There has long been a view among cricket administrators that since Pakistan is an important team in the highest-grossing match, they should receive more funding.”
Will India vs Pakistan bilateral series resume?
According to reports, Pakistan is demanding to restart the India vs Pakistan bilateral series, which has been put on hold due to political tensions between the two neighboring countries. The last time India vs Pakistan bilateral series took place was in 2013. PCB wants ICC to convince BCCI to resume ties. But this demand will not be fulfilled because the final decision will not be taken by the Cricket Board but by the Government of India.
“Apart from increasing revenue, Pakistan is also trying to convince the ICC to mediate with the BCCI to resume bilateral relations,” the source said. “Not playing the entire series is the government’s decision and BCCI has no interference in it.” “There is no possibility of resumption of bilateral series unless New Delhi approves ties,” the source said.
Pakistan demands more from ICC
There was fresh tension between India vs Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 after the Men in Blue refused to shake hands with their counterparts in a show of solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack last year.
PCB expects changes in this also. “Pakistan may also say that Indian players should stick to the ethical demands of the game and join hands with Pakistan players to maintain the spirit of the game, which the ICC has always stressed,” the source said.
Pakistan has won its first game and India faces America in the evening. All eyes will be on whether India vs Pakistan happens in the coming week or not.
Also read: Will Pakistan government give green signal to IND vs PAK match on the orders of Sri Lanka? The report revealed