India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match: The International Cricket Council has rejected three key demands made by the Pakistan Cricket Board during talks held after Pakistan refused to play India in their T20 World Cup 2026 match scheduled for Feb. 15 in Colombo, according to media reports.
The PCB had placed several conditions before the ICC in an attempt to review its decision to boycott the high-profile fixture. One of Pakistan’s main demands was a bilateral series with India. The ICC rejected the proposal, saying bilateral cricket does not fall under its jurisdiction, even within the World Test Championship cycle. The PCB also proposed a tri-series involving India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The governing body turned down that request as well. Pakistan demanded that India tour Bangladesh later this year for a series that was postponed last year. The ICC again said it cannot interfere in bilateral series matters.
The PCB further asked the ICC to compensate Bangladesh after last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup was moved from Bangladesh to Dubai. According to the media reports, this demand was considered, and Bangladesh may be awarded hosting rights for the next Under-19 World Cup. Reports also said Pakistan wanted Bangladesh to continue receiving its share of ICC revenue. However, the ICC has already decided not to penalise Bangladesh in this matter.
According to the reports, the ICC has given PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi 24 hours to consult Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confirm the board’s final position. An official announcement on the status of the India-Pakistan fixture is expected either late Monday or Tuesday morning. The meeting in Lahore was attended by Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul.
The controversy began when the Pakistan government announced it would not allow the team to face India, despite the match being scheduled at a neutral venue. Pakistan’s stance came after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament following the ICC’s refusal to move their matches out of India over security concerns.
On a Feb. 1 social media post, the Pakistan government said it would not allow its senior men’s team to play India in the tournament. “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, both teams started their T20 World Cup campaigns with wins. Pakistan beat the Netherlands in a close match, while India defeated the United States by 29 runs.