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The move shocked the cricketing world 2026 T20 World Cup Facing the biggest diplomatic crisis Pakistan Three bold conditions were put forward for its participation in this major conflict with its opponents. India. Following the high-stakes tripartite meeting in Lahore on February 8, 2026, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) This suggests that their appearance in the match in Colombo on February 15 is no longer a sure thing.
While the ICC flatly rejected Pakistan’s attempt to invoke a “force majeure” clause, the PCB used the negotiating table to push its long-standing demands. With the tournament’s most anticipated match thrown into a delicate balance, all eyes are now on the global governing body’s official response.
Pakistan makes three key demands to end India’s boycott of 2026 T20 World Cup
According to an exclusive report by Cricbuzz, the PCB has officially linked its participation in the Indian competition with a set of specific requirements. These requirements represent a significant escalation in boards’ attempts to leverage the commercial leverage of competition:
- ICC revenue share increased: The PCB is reportedly seeking a bigger share of the ICC’s annual revenue. Claiming to be a “vital cog” in generating global viewership and revenue from high-stakes matches, Pakistan is looking to increase the amount of money currently generated from Estimated $34.5 million They are received in the current mode.
- Resumption of bilateral cricket ties: Challenging the status quo, the PCB requested the ICC’s assistance in resuming the bilateral series against India. Bilateral cricket ties have been stalled since 2013 due to political tensions and Pakistan is currently pushing for a formal roadmap to resume regular series outside of ICC and ACC events.
- Execution of handshake agreement: Associated with the “no handshake” line 2025 Asian CupPakistan demanded the enforcement of live handshake protocols. Indian players reportedly opted for a no-handshake policy. The PCB now insists on making these customary gestures mandatory to preserve the “spirit of cricket”.
Watch also: Head coach Gautam Gambhir hosts dinner for Team India ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup Namibia
Colombo T20 World Cup 2026 standoff continues, ICC rejects Pakistan’s ‘force majeure’ request
The crisis reached a breaking point after the ICC deemed Pakistan’s bluff in invoking a force majeure clause. The ICC questioned the legality of the move, stating that the government’s directive for “selective participation” did not meet the evidentiary threshold needed to avoid crippling economic sanctions or demerit points.
During a four-hour meeting at Gaddafi Stadium, ICC vice-president Imran Khwaja reportedly suggested the PCB to refer the case to the arbitration panel rather than risk the sanctity of the World Cup. While Bangladesh (who were replaced by Scotland in the tournament) are also seeking compensation, the ICC has made it clear that opting out of the tournament was a breach of the membership agreement, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position as the February 15 deadline approaches.
