LAHORE: A high-level International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is scheduled to meet Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi today in an effort to break the impasse over the proposed India–Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources said.

The high-profile encounter between the two arch-rivals — widely regarded as one of the most commercially lucrative fixtures in world cricket — remains in doubt after the Government of Pakistan directed the national team not to play against India in Colombo.

The match is slated for February 15 and carries significant financial and sporting implications for the tournament.

The 20-team World Cup has already been overshadowed by political tensions after Bangladesh declined to play matches in India over security concerns, prompting their replacement by Scotland.

India will travel to Colombo for T20 World Cup match despite Pakistan boycott

In response, the Pakistani government barred the national side from participating in the marquee Group A fixture against co-hosts India.

Pakistan, who began their campaign with a win over the Netherlands on February 7, risk losing two crucial points and suffering a major setback to their net run rate should they forfeit the match.

According to sources, the ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, is expected to arrive in Lahore around 4:00 pm. The delegation will hold talks with PCB leadership and senior officials to explore possible options for resolving the issue.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam is also expected to participate in the meeting, underscoring the wider regional and political dimensions of the situation.

Sources further revealed that the ICC has tasked Khwaja with persuading PCB leadership to reconsider Pakistan’s position, as the global governing body is keen to secure a compromise that would allow the blockbuster fixture to proceed as scheduled.

The outcome of the talks is expected to be crucial for the future of the tournament and may set an important precedent for handling politically sensitive fixtures in international cricket.