The deadlock over the India vs Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 continues as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forward a series of demands before the International Cricket Council (ICC). The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, remains in a state of flux while high-level negotiations are underway. The PCB's conditions have added a layer of complexity to the tournament's schedule, which the ICC is currently attempting to resolve through diplomatic channels.
Demands for Bilateral and Tri-Series Engagements
Central to the PCB's list of conditions is the demand for a resumption of bilateral cricket series with India, while the Pakistan board is seeking a formal commitment for future tours, a matter that has been stalled for years due to geopolitical tensions. On top of that, the PCB has proposed a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while according to analysts, these demands are difficult for the ICC to fulfill unilaterally, as any bilateral engagement involving the Indian team requires mandatory clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Government of India.
Revenue Sharing and On-Field Protocol Issues
In addition to scheduling demands, the PCB has raised issues regarding financial distribution and player conduct. The board is reportedly seeking an increase in its share of the revenue generated by the ICC, while another specific demand pertains to on-field protocols, specifically requiring Indian players to engage in formal handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. This follows reports of displeasure from the Pakistan camp regarding an incident during the Asia Cup involving captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha. The PCB is pushing for these gestures to be standardized to ensure professional decorum during high-stakes matches.
Logistical Preparations and Broadcaster Concerns
Despite the ongoing administrative stalemate, logistical preparations for the match are proceeding. Reports indicate that flight bookings for the Indian team to travel to Colombo for the February 15 fixture have already been made. The team is expected to fly to Sri Lanka immediately after their scheduled match in Delhi. Meanwhile, the Pakistan squad is already stationed in Sri Lanka, where they're playing their group-stage matches. Official broadcaster Star Sports is closely monitoring the situation, as the India-Pakistan encounter represents the highest viewership and advertising potential of the tournament.
Attribution-Based Analysis and Final Decision
According to sports analysts, the PCB's demands are likely a strategic move to gain benefit from within the ICC's financial and administrative framework. Experts suggest that while the ICC may negotiate on revenue-related matters, it lacks the authority to mandate bilateral series, which remain a sovereign decision for the respective national boards and governments, while the minutes of the recent meeting between the ICC and PCB have been forwarded to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The final participation of the Pakistan team in the Colombo match depends entirely on the directive from the Prime Minister's office.
So, to wrap up, the fate of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match rests on the outcome of these high-level deliberations. While the cricketing world awaits a resolution, the ICC is under pressure to ensure the tournament proceeds without disruption. A final announcement is expected shortly once the political leadership in Pakistan reviews the proposed terms.