Shehbaz Sharif To Decide On Pakistan-India T20 World Cup Clash After PCB Briefing | Exclusive

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 09:52 IST

According to sources in Pakistan’s political power corridors, the issue of the Pakistan-India clash is likely to be taken up in the upcoming federal cabinet meeting this week

The fate of the high-voltage Pakistan-India match in the upcoming T20 World Cup is set to be decided at the highest political level, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to take a final call after consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the federal cabinet, top sources have told CNN-News18.

According to sources in Pakistan’s political power corridors, the issue of the Pakistan-India clash is likely to be taken up in the upcoming federal cabinet meeting this week for broader discussion. While the PCB has been in talks with the Cricket Council (ICC), the final decision will rest with Sharif after a meeting with PCB chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Sources said Naqvi is expected to meet the prime minister within the next 48 hours to seek guidance on the ICC’s request regarding Pakistan’s participation in the match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Sri Lanka. “The PM will take the final decision after detailed consultations," a top source indicated.

The development comes after senior ICC and PCB officials held a meeting in Lahore amid reports that Pakistan was considering boycotting the India match. On Sunday, PCB chairman Naqvi met ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the PCB said in a statement. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam was also present at the meeting.

Sources revealed that the PCB has placed a set of conditions before the ICC for agreeing to play against India in the T20 World Cup. These include an increased share of ICC revenue, restoration of bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India, continuation of the hybrid hosting model for ICC events, and compensation related to Bangladesh’s participation, sources said.

While discussions with the ICC are ongoing, the matter has now moved beyond cricketing considerations, with political clearance seen as essential. The federal cabinet is expected to deliberate on the broader implications before Sharif gives his final approval on Pakistan’s participation in the marquee clash.

News cricket Shehbaz Sharif To Decide On Pakistan-India T20 World Cup Clash After PCB Briefing | Exclusive

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