"Sections of Indian media are busy circulating fiction."
The International Cricket Council is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board to defuse uncertainty surrounding the Pakistan-India clash in the T20 World Cup.
The high-profile fixture set for February 15, 2026, in Colombo has been thrown into doubt.
This came after the federal government of Pakistan reportedly instructed the national team not to participate in the match.
Any contest between Pakistan and India is considered cricket’s biggest commercial attraction, generating millions through broadcasting, sponsorship and advertising.
Given the financial and sporting implications, the ICC has adopted a conciliatory approach, aiming for dialogue rather than escalation.
According to a source familiar with developments, the PCB responded after receiving formal communication from the global cricket body.
The source told AFP that the ICC was attempting to find common ground and avoid confrontation amid rising political sensitivities.
However, the situation became more complicated after Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta made claims on the social media platform X.
Gupta alleged: “PCB has now reached out to ICC for a dialogue on the India-Pakistan World Cup after the ICC replied to their official communication.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board swiftly rejected this narrative, calling the claim misleading and factually incorrect.
PCB spokesperson Amir Mir responded strongly, stating: “I categorically reject the claim by Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta that PCB approached the ICC.”
He further added: “As usual, sections of Indian media are busy circulating fiction.
“A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn’t.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
Political considerations now threaten to disrupt tournament planning, especially given the centrality of a Pakistan-India fixture.
Historically, such matches anchor sponsorship deals and influence advertising rates across international broadcast markets.
Pakistan’s refusal to play this single fixture does not amount to a complete tournament boycott.
The team remains committed to participating in the remainder of the World Cup schedule.
This measured stance suggests a calibrated response rather than a sweeping withdrawal from ICC events.
Speculation around Pakistan’s position had intensified earlier due to broader regional tensions and the Bangladesh issue.
Cricket administrators may now be forced to revisit contingency plans involving scheduling or points allocation.
As negotiations continue quietly, the fate of the most anticipated match of the tournament remains uncertain.
Loading ...