itstargetnews
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has changed its stance on boycotting the opening day of the 2026 T20 World Cup against India. The Cricket Board has reportedly approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to negotiate the lifting of the boycott of matches against their old rivals.
Pakistan decided to skip the match against India to show support to Bangladesh. However, the match was crucial to the commercial success of the tournament, which led to several secret discussions aimed at persuading Pakistan to reconsider their stance and reverse the boycott.
Pakistan Cricket Board reopens talks with ICC over India matches
Pakistan has changed its stance on the India match after a new communication from the ICC. The possibility of the high-profile match being played in Colombo on the opening day of the T20 World Cup next week has resurfaced.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Earlier, the PCB had informed the ICC that it would miss the Group A match against India. The committee said they were acting on instructions from the Pakistani government and invoked a force majeure clause before the match began.
The ICC responded to queries over the delayed withdrawal with a detailed communication, The Indian Express reported. Following this exchange, the PCB again engaged the ICC to initiate dialogue and review its previous decision.
According to the International Chamber of Commerce rules, force majeure clauses only apply to special circumstances such as government orders, war or natural disasters. A board using this clause must prove that the match was indeed unavoidable and that all reasonable steps were taken to reduce the impact.
ICC rejects boycott call, warns of possible wider consequences
The report added that the ICC did not accept the explanation given by the PCB for missing the match against India. The ICC also warned that the move could have serious sporting, business and governance implications.
“The ICC will now resolve issues in a structured manner; there will be dialogue, not confrontation,” an official told the national daily.
“Following receipt of formal notification from the ICC, the PCB contacted the international body to initiate further dialogue. The ICC is currently engaging with the Board in a structured manner to explore possible solutions.”
International Cricket Federation and Sri Lanka Cricket Association urge Pakistan to reconsider
The ICC interpreted the force majeure clause and warned of possible financial and regulatory consequences, leading to a shift in Pakistan’s position. For the first time since Pakistan threatened to delay its withdrawal last month, next week’s match in Colombo now looks likely.
The PCB also received a formal message from the Sri Lanka Cricket Association asking it to reconsider the boycott. The SLC reminded Pakistan of the support provided by Sri Lanka to maintain cricket relations during difficult times.
The development comes after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup opener, in which they beat the Netherlands by a wicket in Colombo. Pakistan will face the United States on February 12 at the same venue.
