The long-running drama surrounding the India–Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continued on Monday, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) urging Pakistan to play the highly anticipated match scheduled for February 15.
The breakthrough came after an emergency meeting in Lahore attended by ICC representatives, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Md Aminul Islam. ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja, Singapore’s representative on the governing council, was appointed as the mediator in the dispute.
The BCB expressed its gratitude to the PCB, the ICC, and all stakeholders for their support in resolving the recent controversy surrounding the tournament.
In a statement, the BCB extended its “profound and heartfelt gratitude” to Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the PCB, and Pakistan’s cricket fans, praising the board’s “exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity” during the episode.
BCB President Md Aminul Islam said he was “deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period,” adding, “Long may our brotherhood flourish.” He also revealed that, following his visit to Pakistan and discussions with stakeholders, he requested Pakistan to play the February 15 match against India “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem.”
Dhaka: BCB President Md Aminul Islam specifically acknowledged PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqui, his board, and Pakistan’s cricket fans. He requested Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game against India on 15 February. pic.twitter.com/6m3pNwSN6U
— IANS (@ians_india) February 9, 2026
The controversy escalated after Pakistan’s government announced that the Men in Green would not take the field against India, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linking the boycott to the Bangladesh issue as a gesture of solidarity.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament after their request to play all matches outside India was rejected by the ICC, citing security concerns following Mustafizur Rahman’s withdrawal from the IPL 2026 amid political tensions.
Meanwhile, the ICC reportedly asked the PCB to demonstrate mitigation measures under the Members Participation Agreement (MPA), particularly regarding the invocation of a ‘Force Majeure’ clause. According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB cited government orders for the boycott, prompting the ICC to outline potential sporting, commercial and governance implications, including sanctions.
The PCB, however, believes it has a strong legal precedent, referencing a previous dispute with the BCCI over an unfulfilled bilateral series agreement that reached the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee.