LAHORE — International Cricket Council (ICC) Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja arrived in Lahore on Sunday for high-level discussions with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India.
According to PCB spokesperson Amir Mir, Khwaja is scheduled to meet Naqvi today to discuss the situation and possible next steps.
ICC and BCB Officials in Pakistan
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam has also reached Pakistan and is expected to attend an emergency ICC meeting later today along with other board representatives. Sources said he will also meet the PCB chairman before returning to Dhaka.
Meanwhile, an ICC delegation led by its deputy chairman is set to arrive in Lahore later in the day to deliberate on the fallout from Pakistan’s boycott announcement.
Background to the Dispute
The developments come after Pakistan decided to boycott its February 15 T20 World Cup match against India, citing what the PCB described as a “biased approach” by the ICC. Bangladesh has also been central to the unfolding controversy.
Tensions escalated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was reportedly dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL) following directions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prompting strong reactions in Dhaka.
Pakistan National Cricket Team Arrives in Sri Lanka for ICC T20 World Cup
Subsequently, the BCB requested the ICC to shift its matches outside India, but the request was declined. The ICC later replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament, citing scheduling constraints close to the event’s start.
PCB Rejects Dialogue Claims
The PCB has also dismissed Indian media reports claiming it had approached the ICC for talks over the India-Pakistan match. Spokesperson Amir Mir rejected assertions by Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta that the PCB had initiated dialogue with the global body.
Deputy Chairman of the ICC, Mr. Imran Khawaja being received at the Lahore Airport by Advisor to PCB Chairman. pic.twitter.com/BTd40ClkFT
— Amir Mir (@AmirMirpcb) February 8, 2026
High Commercial Stakes
An India-Pakistan clash is widely regarded as one of cricket’s most valuable fixtures, generating massive revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and advertising.
Industry estimates suggest the commercial value of a single India-Pakistan T20 match can reach around $500 million, factoring in broadcast rights, ticket sales and sponsorships. Advertising rates during such matches are significantly higher than other games, with 10-second slots reportedly commanding between INR25 lakh and INR40 lakh.
The most immediate financial impact of any cancellation or boycott would likely fall on broadcasters, with advertising revenue from a single India-Pakistan fixture projected to run into hundreds of crores.
Next Steps
The arrival of senior ICC and BCB officials in Pakistan is being seen as part of efforts to manage the crisis and explore possible solutions. The emergency meeting is expected to focus on the tournament schedule, the boycott decision, and the broader implications for international cricket governance.
With diplomatic and commercial pressures mounting, the outcome of today’s consultations could shape the future of the T20 World Cup and relations among the sport’s leading boards.
