India vs Pakistan is the biggest clash in any major International Cricket Council (ICC) event. The match between the two arch-rivals has always gained double the revenue for the apex body, the broadcasters, and the hosts as well. However, a social media post from the Pakistan government, stating that they will not feature against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup match, has created a stir in the cricketing fraternity.
As the uncertainty clouds still loom over the India vs Pakistan fixture, which is scheduled on 15th February in Sri Lanka, fresh reports are coming out that Pakistan might reconsider their thinking on certain conditions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been in continuous discussions with ICC’s deputy chairman Imran Khwaja to resolve the issues.
Pakistan reconsiders playing against India
As per reports, Pakistan has a good relationship with Sri Lankan cricket, and after the latter’s official email, they are considering keeping in mind the loss that Sri Lanka Cricket might have to bear if the match fails to happen. A source said (as quoted by Telecom Asia Sport), “A solution is now in sight for the T20 World Cup’s highest revenue-generating match to go ahead.”
PCB receives the fourth-highest share, behind India, England, and Australia, of an amount around USD 34.5 million from the ICC’s annual revenue pool. “Pakistan’s strong stance has put them in a good position to bargain for a few things which have been the PCB’s demands for several years,” the source said. “There has long been an opinion among cricket administrators that since Pakistan is a vital cog in the highest money-generating match, they should receive more funding.”
India vs Pakistan bilateral series to resume?
As reports comes Pakistan has been demanding to resume the India vs Pakistan bilateral series, which has been stopped due to political tensions between the two neighbouring countries. The last time the India vs Pakistan bilateral series happened was back in 2013. PCB wants ICC to convince BCCI to resume the ties. But this demand will not be met since the final decision will come from the Indian government and not the cricket board.
“Other than the revenue increase, Pakistan is also trying to convince the ICC to mediate with the BCCI to resume bilateral ties,” the source said. “Not playing full series is a decision by the government, and the BCCI has no say in that.” “Unless and until New Delhi clears the ties, there are no chances of the bilateral series being revived,” the source added.
Pakistan demands more from ICC
India vs Pakistan had new tensions from the Asia Cup 2025, when the Men in Blue refused to shake hands with their counterparts to show solidarity in light of the Pahalgam terror attack last year.
PCB hopes to change that as well. “Pakistan is also likely to convey that Indian players should stick to the ethical demands of the game and must shake hands with Pakistan players to keep the spirit of the game, which ICC has always stressed upon,” the source said.
Pakistan has won its first game, and India is up against the USA later in the evening. All eyes will be on the headlines if India vs Pakistan happens in the coming week or not.
Also Read: Pakistan govt to give IND vs PAK match green signal on Sri Lanka’s orders? Report reveals
