NEW DELHI/COLOMBO: The highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match, scheduled for February 15, 2026, is back on track thanks to ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja. In a tense situation where cricketing politics threatened to overshadow the sport, Khwaja emerged as the crucial behind-the-scenes mediator ensuring the blockbuster fixture went ahead.
A Key Figure Behind the Curtain
Representing the Singapore Cricket Association and serving as ICC Deputy Chair, 64-year-old Imran Khwaja is widely regarded as a neutral and trusted voice in world cricket administration. A lawyer by profession, Khwaja has been part of ICC’s internal workings since 2008 and enjoys the confidence of both the Indian and Pakistan cricket boards, as well as associate nations. His immediate mission during the current crisis was to negotiate through back-channel discussions with the Pakistan government and PCB to safeguard the February 15 clash.
Decades of Governance and Diplomacy
Khwaja is more than a mediator—he is one of the architects of the modern ICC constitution. Since assuming the Deputy Chair role in 2017, he has championed the voices of smaller cricketing nations. Following Shashank Manohar’s resignation in 2020, Khwaja served as interim ICC president, guiding the organization through the challenging pandemic period.
Balancing Leadership with Jay Shah
Recently re-elected as Associate Member Director at the ICC AGM in Colombo, Khwaja now works alongside BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. While Shah brings leadership and vision, Khwaja contributes decades of diplomatic experience. His expertise was crucial in persuading Pakistan to soften its boycott stance.
Why Khwaja’s Role Was Critical
The India-Pakistan clash is more than just a cricket match—it is the backbone of ICC’s revenue and the tournament’s overall success. Cancellation due to geopolitical tensions could have cost broadcasters and sponsors millions. Khwaja’s patience, negotiation skills, and ability to separate politics from sport proved to be the final hope in ensuring the game went ahead, safeguarding both cricketing interests and the spirit of the T20 World Cup.
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