ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Will Pakistan play against India? What new demand has been placed before ICC?
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: The T20 World Cup has begun today on February 7. With the start of the tournament, the dispute regarding the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan is expected to be resolved. According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may demand an increase in its annual funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
On Sunday, the Pakistani government announced that its team would not play the T20 World Cup group-stage match against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. According to reports, this move could cost world cricket more than $250 million.
Sri Lanka will also suffer big financial loss if Pakistan does not play against India
Besides, Sri Lanka will also suffer big financial loss if Pakistan does not play against India. Therefore, Cricket Sri Lanka (SLC) has appealed to Pakistan to change its stance. As co-hosts, they could suffer a significant loss in foreign exchange due to a large number of Indian fans coming to Colombo and the gate money from the matches.
Pakistan demands more money from ICC
According to sources, Pakistan's tough stance has put them in a better position to negotiate for certain things that the Pakistan Cricket Board has been demanding for many years. Pakistan has been demanding that they should receive more funding since they are a crucial part of the most lucrative match.
According to reports, Pakistan receives $34.5 million annually from the ICC pool. Pakistan ranks fourth in this regard, after India, England, and Australia. The report states that
Pakistan may also say that Indian players should adhere to the ethical requirements of the game and shake hands with Pakistani players to uphold the spirit of the game, which the ICC has always emphasized.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is engaged in back-channel talks with the ICC, with Imran Khwaja of the Singapore Cricket Association and Pankaj Khimji of Oman acting as mediators. According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, a source familiar with the matter said that a solution now seems to be in sight to move forward with the T20 World Cup's highest revenue-generating match.