Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to play the IND vs PAK clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 has saved the International Cricket Council (ICC) from incurring a loss of $174 million. After a meeting with the ICC, which also involved the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chairman, the Pakistan government on Monday directed its players to take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan had threatened to boycott the marquee clash while attempting to show solidarity with Bangladesh after the latter were replaced by Scotland in the WC over their unwillingness to travel to India.
Pakistan save ICC from Rs 1470 crore loss
As per The Indian Express, a source claimed that a cumulative loss of $174 million (Rs 1470 crore) would have been incurred if Pakistan decided to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 tie against India.The loss would include damages to broadcasters, gate money and sponsors. It took an ICC meetings, letters from Sri Lanka Cricket and the United Arab Emirates Cricket Board, and days of persuasion for Pakistan to finally concede and agree to play the IND vs PAK tie in Colombo.
“The cumulative loss would have been around $174 million dollars, including those related to broadcasters, gate money and other sponsorships,” a source stated.
Pakistan to play India on February 15
Taking to social media platform X, the Government of Pakistan said that the country’s PM Shehbaz Sharif had been briefed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the outcome of the high-level meeting with the ICC, following which the directive to the team was issued.
“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the social media post of Government of Pakistan read.
Cricket
ICC concedes to PCB-BCB alliance as Bangladesh get away without sanctions to salvage IND vs PAK match
