The drama around the Pakistan vs India clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 is far from over. Just when it seemed like the standoff was close to ending, a new report has revealed fresh demands made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), adding another twist to the story.
According to a report by a leading news channel, the PCB placed three key demands before the International Cricket Council (ICC) during a meeting held on Sunday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The meeting was hosted by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and attended by ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chairman Aminul Islam. The talks were aimed at resolving Pakistan’s proposed boycott of their February 15 T20 World Cup match against India.
PCB’s Three Demands to ICC
The report claims that the PCB has asked for the following in order to break the deadlock:
1. Higher financial compensation for the Bangladesh Cricket Board
2. A participation fee for Bangladesh, even though the team is not part of the T20 World Cup
3. Future hosting rights for an ICC event
These demands come just days after another report suggested that the PCB was seeking additional funding from the ICC, along with a possible restart of bilateral cricket with India, to reconsider its position on the boycott.
Mixed Views Inside PCB
Interestingly, not everyone within the PCB agrees on the hardline stance. Some officials are reportedly open to playing the India match in Colombo, a neutral venue. However, Mohsin Naqvi is said to be firm on maintaining the boycott for now.
During the Lahore meeting, the ICC made it clear that Pakistan could face serious repercussions if it refuses to play the match as scheduled. Mohsin Naqvi is expected to consult the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before taking a final call on the issue.
Why ICC Rejected PCB’s Argument
Pakistan has tried to justify its position by invoking the Force Majeure clause in its agreement with the ICC. This clause allows teams to avoid obligations due to extraordinary circumstances such as war, ter*orism, natural disasters or binding government orders.
The PCB is reportedly willing to forfeit match points against India and accept the negative impact on their net run-rate (NRR). Their argument is that loss of points and NRR damage are the only penalties outlined within the tournament rules.
However, the ICC does not appear convinced. It can counter Pakistan’s claim by pointing to Clause 5.7.1 of the MPA, which stresses unconditional participation. Skipping a single, high-profile match, especially one as commercially significant as India vs Pakistan, goes against that principle. Adding to this, Pakistan is already scheduled to play its World Cup matches at a neutral venue, weakening the Force Majeure argument further.
With pressure mounting from all the sides and major decisions still pending, the fate of one of the biggest rivalries of cricket at the T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain.
