Pakistan faced another tough setback from the ICC. Amid the ongoing controversy over the India-Pakistan match at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified its stance on the conditions set by Bangladesh and Pakistan. The ICC made it clear that Bangladesh will not be penalized in any manner for the entire episode, and it will continue to receive its rightful share of ICC revenue.
According to sources, the ICC made this decision independently, not influenced by any other board. Although Bangladesh might be out of the current World Cup, it will not suffer any financial loss.
Compensation for Bangladesh Considered
The ICC acknowledged that Bangladesh missed out on hosting last year's Women's T20 World Cup, as the tournament was shifted to Dubai due to riots in the country.
Considering this, the ICC is now contemplating granting Bangladesh the opportunity to host a major tournament in the next cycle. According to sources, Bangladesh might be entrusted with hosting an ICC event like the Under-19 World Cup to partially compensate for the previous loss.
ICC Rejects Pakistan's Demands
During the meeting, Bangladesh and Pakistan demanded that ICC urge India to play bilateral cricket with Pakistan. However, the ICC outrightly rejected this demand.
The ICC stated that bilateral series do not fall under its jurisdiction. This is why it does not intervene in similar cases even in ICC tournament cycles like the World Test Championship.
In a similar vein, a proposal for a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh was also put forward, but it was rejected for the same reason.
Demands for India's Bangladesh Tour Also Denied
The issue that India should tour Bangladesh this year was also raised. On this matter, the ICC clarified that forcing a country to tour another country is not within its powers. Such decisions entirely depend on the respective cricket boards and governments.
ICC Issues Ultimatum to Pakistan Again
After an elongated meeting in Lahore, Pakistan did not make an immediate decision on the match against India scheduled for February 15. The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed his intention to consult Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the issue.
Subsequently, the ICC granted Pakistan a day's time. According to sources, a final decision regarding the India-Pakistan match could be taken at any moment. The ICC's official announcement is expected by this evening or Wednesday morning.
The ICC's primary concern revolves around the revenue associated with the India-Pakistan match. This encounter is considered the most lucrative match in world cricket. If the match does not occur, the implications will not only affect the ICC but also impact the annual income of all member boards. Hence, the ICC is keen on maintaining tournament stability and financial balance at all costs.
