Pakistan Puts Forward Three Conditions to ICC for Playing World Cup Match Against India

NEW DELHI/LAHORE: The controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash scheduled for February 15 appears to be moving toward resolution. On Sunday, a key meeting took place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC officials, with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chairman Aminul Islam also specially invited. Following the talks, Pakistan indicated readiness to play the match but has put forward three major conditions.

ICC Pushes Pakistan to Participate
After Pakistan initially announced it would boycott the match, ICC sent top officials to Lahore to mediate. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, BCB’s Aminul Islam, and ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja attended the meeting. Sources revealed that ICC made it clear to Pakistan that selective participation in a global tournament would not be tolerated, warning of severe financial and regulatory consequences if the boycott persisted.

Sri Lanka’s Emotional Appeal Influences Pakistan
Co-host Sri Lanka also played a pivotal role in resolving the issue. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) reminded PCB that during past international boycotts, they had toured Pakistan to help revive cricket there. SLC highlighted the economic impact, warning that cancelling the India-Pakistan match would significantly affect tourism and the hotel industry. This emotional appeal, coupled with ICC’s firm stance, appears to have prompted Pakistan to reconsider its earlier decision.

Pakistan’s Three Conditions to ICC

1. Increased Revenue Share: Pakistan wants a higher share of ICC’s annual payouts to cricket boards.
2. Revival of Bilateral Series with India: PCB has requested ICC to press BCCI to resume bilateral series between India and Pakistan, which have not been held since 2013.
3. Mandatory On-Field Handshake Protocol: Pakistan seeks enforcement of a handshake protocol for players before matches, though ICC maintains that such practices are a matter of team discretion. Previously, Pakistan had tried to invoke a Force Majeure clause citing government directives, which ICC rejected as politically motivated.

Bangladesh’s Role in the Dispute
The controversy originated when Bangladesh refused to play in India and was replaced by Scotland. In solidarity with Bangladesh, Pakistan initially threatened to skip the India clash. Aminul Islam’s presence in Lahore signals ongoing discussions regarding Bangladesh’s return or compensation. Pakistan is expected to announce its final decision by Monday, February 10, as the team prepares strategies for their next fixture.