India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Match: The fate of the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter in the ICC T20 World Cup remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares to consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before taking a final call on participation. The much-anticipated match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, but ongoing deliberations have cast a shadow over its confirmation.
Sources indicate that the PCB is expected to meet the Prime Minister on Sunday to seek government approval for playing the marquee fixture. A final decision is likely to be communicated within the next 24 hours, as time runs out with the tournament nearing a critical phase.
Uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified earlier this month after the PCB announced a boycott, citing unresolved concerns with the International Cricket Council. The move prompted urgent negotiations, with senior ICC officials stepping in to prevent disruption to one of the most watched matches in global cricket.
In an effort to resolve the matter, a prolonged meeting was held on Saturday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The discussions lasted over five hours and were attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, and Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam. With less than a week remaining before the scheduled match, the ICC is keen to reach a swift resolution.
According to reports, the PCB has placed several demands on the table as conditions for playing the match. These include a higher share of ICC revenues, resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, and strict enforcement of match-day protocols, including traditional pre- and post-match handshakes between players.
PCB sources believe these demands are necessary to ensure fairness and equal treatment within international cricket. They argue that Pakistan’s contribution to the global game must be reflected not just on the field but also in governance and revenue structures.
Meanwhile, the ICC has not yet opened ticket sales for the India-Pakistan clash, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the fixture. The board is reportedly waiting for a clear position from the PCB before proceeding with logistical and commercial arrangements.
The India-Pakistan match remains the most anticipated fixture of the T20 World Cup, drawing massive global attention and commercial interest. Any disruption could have significant implications for the tournament’s schedule and viewership.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the final outcome now hinges on the PCB’s consultation with the Pakistani government. A decision is expected soon, bringing clarity to a situation that has kept fans and officials on edge.