Cricket’s most anticipated rivalry faces an uncertain future after a pivotal Lahore meeting failed to yield immediate resolution. The PCB will announce its final position on boycotting the February 15 India clash in the 2026 T20 World Cup within the next day, potentially consulting Pakistani authorities once more.
Sunday’s extended session at Gaddafi Stadium brought together PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC vice-president Imran Khwaja, and BCB president Aminul Islam. The ICC pushed hard to defuse tensions stemming from Pakistan’s refusal to compete with India over Bangladesh support issues, drawing all parties to the table.
Notably, Pakistan and Bangladesh found common ground on multiple points, per sources. Yet, the ICC’s priority remains safeguarding the event’s financial backbone—the India-Pakistan game, which dominates earnings from broadcasting, branding, and worldwide viewership.
Forfeiting this fixture would erode broadcast package worth, cascading into lower revenues and diminished annual shares for boards like BCB, PCB, and BCCI. Echoing its February 2 decision post-PM Shehbaz Sharif’s counsel, PCB’s upcoming verdict could redefine tournament dynamics. Fans worldwide await clarity, knowing this match’s outcome reverberates far beyond the boundary ropes.