ICC T20 WC 2026: Expected date for decision on Pakistan–India match issue unveiled

2026-02-09 - 08:26

KARACHI – A decision regarding the Pakistan–India match in the ICC T20 World Cup (T20 WC 2026) is unlikely to be made today, with sources indicating that the matter may be finalised on February 12. Talks among the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Pakistan’s decision to boycott the match against India concluded late Sunday night. Officials involved in the negotiations believe that a breakthrough could emerge within the next 24 hours. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to brief him on the outcome of the discussions and seek guidance on the future course of action. The final decision, sources said, will rest with the prime minister. Earlier, Indian media reported that the ICC had set a February 9 deadline for Pakistan to decide on the high-profile fixture. However, Pakistani sources dismissed these claims, saying no progress is expected today and that a final decision is more likely to be taken later this week. It may be recalled that, on the directives of the government of Pakistan, the PCB had decided to take part in the T20 World Cup 2026 but refrain from playing against India until further instructions from the government.