Pakistan Open to India T20 World Cup Clash, Sets Three Conditions for ICC: Reports

NEW DELHI, Feb 9: Pakistan has entered into a standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a proposed boycott after Bangladesh was removed from the T20 World Cup for refusing to play matches in India, one of the tournament’s co-hosts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially threatened a last-minute withdrawal from the tournament, but later scaled it down to boycotting only the India–Pakistan match scheduled for February 15, 2026.

Following warnings of serious consequences from the ICC, a meeting was held between PCB officials and representatives of the global cricket body. According to a report by NDTV, Pakistan has now indicated its willingness to play India in the tournament, provided three key demands are accepted.

As per the report, Pakistan has urged the ICC to increase Bangladesh’s financial share, arguing that enhanced funding is essential for improving infrastructure, nurturing emerging talent and boosting the overall competitiveness of the national team.

Pakistan has also demanded a participation fee for Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026, citing the significant investment required for tournament preparation and the need for assured financial returns.

The PCB’s third condition is the allocation of future ICC event hosting rights to Bangladesh, asserting that the country has the necessary infrastructure and strong public support to successfully host a major international tournament. (Agencies)