The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to hold back-channel talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to persuade it to change its stance on the T20 World Cup match against India.
The Indian media reported that the ICC has asked its deputy chairman, Imran Khwaja, to lead back-channel discussions with Pakistan to resolve the issue.
Khwaja, who represents the Singapore Cricket Association, will try to convince Pakistan to play their group stage match against India on February 15 in Colombo, Indian media reported on Wednesday.
On February 1, the Government of Pakistan announced that its national cricket team will travel to Sri Lanka to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but also stunned the world by stating that the Green Shirts will boycott the match against India.
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The PCB has yet to give its decision in writing to the ICC. But the governing body of international cricket expressed concern and issued a reactive statement immediately on Sunday, warning Pakistan of sanctions if it doesn’t reconsider its stance.
Pakistan are included in Group A, alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia.
The Green Shirts will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, 2026, in Colombo.
The 2009 champions are scheduled to play all of their matches in Sri Lanka; Colombo will host their four Group stage clashes, with Super Eights matches also scheduled in Colombo and Kandy.
Pakistan squad for ICC T20 World Cup:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan World Cup fixtures:
February 7: Pakistan vs Netherlands, Colombo
February 10: Pakistan vs USA, Colombo
February 15: India vs Pakistan, Colombo
February 18: Pakistan vs Namibia, Colombo
READ: Former ICC president dismisses sanctions threat over Pakistan’s India boycott