With Pakistan’s government denying clearance and the PCB rejecting reports of ICC talks, uncertainty deepens around the tournament’s biggest blockbuster.
BY PC Bureau
February 8, 2026: The standoff surrounding the India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo is intensifying by the day. While the BCCI has maintained silence and adhered strictly to ICC protocols, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm on its decision to boycott the February 15 fixture against defending champions India.
The impasse follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s refusal to grant clearance for Pakistan to face India. Despite multiple diplomatic and cricketing interventions urging both the PCB and the Pakistan government to reconsider, no breakthrough has been achieved so far.
Several media reports recently suggested that the PCB had reopened dialogue with the ICC to defuse the situation. However, the board categorically denied those claims on Saturday.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir dismissed reports that the board had initiated talks with the ICC.
🚨 PCB REJECTS FALSE CLAIMS BY INDIAN MEDIA. 🚨
– PCB spokesperson confirms that PCB did not approach the ICC.
– A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn’t. pic.twitter.com/p9oxduedrd
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 7, 2026
“I categorically reject the claim by a renowned Indian sports journalist that the PCB approached the ICC,” Mir said.
The denial followed claims that the PCB had contacted the ICC after being warned about possible legal consequences of forfeiting the match, and that the ICC had formally responded before discussions began. Mir rubbished the assertions, accusing sections of Indian media of “circulating fiction.”
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“As usual, sections of the Indian media are busy circulating fiction. A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn’t,” he added.
Adding to the uncertainty, AFP earlier reported that the PCB had indeed reached out to the ICC after receiving formal communication from the governing body, which is said to be keen on resolving the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The controversy stems from Pakistan’s decision to skip the marquee Group A encounter against India in the T20 World Cup. While the government allowed the team to participate in the tournament, clearance for the high-profile India match was withheld.
The financial stakes are enormous. India-Pakistan fixtures rank among cricket’s biggest commercial events, generating massive revenue through broadcast rights, sponsorships, and advertising. Reports suggest Pakistan could suffer losses of up to ₹1,300 crore if the match is forfeited.
On the sporting front, Pakistan — who began their campaign with a narrow win over the Netherlands — risk losing two vital points and potentially damaging their net run rate if the match is officially forfeited.
Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed earlier this week that the Indian squad will travel to Colombo as scheduled for the contest.
