The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down several major demands from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as talks continue over Pakistan’s potential boycott of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. The PCB had sought ICC intervention for an India‑Pakistan bilateral series, an India‑Pakistan‑Bangladesh tri‑series, and a guarantee on India touring Bangladesh in 2026 — all were rejected, with the ICC stating such bilateral or tri‑nation series are outside its mandate and that tours are decided bilaterally. Discussions involving the PCB, ICC, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are ongoing as Pakistan weighs its participation after earlier boycott threats. 

After India’s Under-19 World Cup win, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s stunning 175* against England has sparked a loud debate about fast-tracking him into the senior Indian team. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor drew parallels with Sachin Tendulkar’s early rise, saying India “didn’t keep Tendulkar waiting” and pushing for Suryavanshi’s call-up, noting his extraordinary talent. However, selectors can’t yet include him in the senior side because ICC age rules require him to be 15 before playing international cricket — his birthday is in March 2026. The buzz underlines how exceptional his performances have been and the excitement surrounding his future. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s government has approved its cricket team to play against India in the T20 World Cup on February 15, ending its earlier boycott stand. The decision came through a late-night notification after talks involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC in Lahore. The government said the step was taken to protect the “spirit of cricket” and ensure the event runs smoothly. The match will now take place as scheduled. Bangladesh board chief Aminul Islam had urged Pakistan to play for the good of the sport. The ICC later confirmed Bangladesh will not face penalties and will receive future global event hosting rights. (PC: X)

Pakistan has confirmed it will play India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 after the government withdrew its earlier boycott call. The decision followed talks between the Pakistan Cricket Board, Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC officials. In a statement, the government said the move came after multilateral discussions and requests from “friendly countries”. It added that the step aims to protect the “spirit of cricket” and ensure continuity of the global event. The match will be held in Colombo as scheduled. Pakistan had earlier planned to skip the game in support of Bangladesh, which withdrew from the tournament over travel concerns. (PC: India Today)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board asking it not to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo on February 15. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul made the appeal after Pakistan earlier decided to pull out of the fixture in support of Bangladesh over venue issues. He said playing the match would serve the wider cricket ecosystem and tournament schedule. “I request Pakistan to play… for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Aminul said. After talks with ICC officials and other countries, Pakistan reviewed its position and later directed its team to take the field. (PC: India Today)

The International Cricket Council said Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup 2026 is “regrettable” but confirmed that no punishment will be given to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The ICC said there will be no financial, sporting, or administrative sanctions. The decision followed talks between the ICC, PCB, and BCB. Bangladesh withdrew after its government refused to allow travel to India over security concerns. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the tournament. ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said Bangladesh remains important to world cricket. “It does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” he said. Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031. (PC: India Today)

The India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo is likely to be played as scheduled, according to sources. The Pakistan Cricket Board has eased its earlier boycott position linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the event. A meeting between PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC officials was held in Lahore to resolve the issue. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said talks are still on and no final decision has been announced yet. “Once we get their response, we will decide,” he said. He added that the matter will be placed before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before an official confirmation is made. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has outlined demands to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to end Pakistan’s threat to boycott its February 15 T20 World Cup match against India amid the ongoing dispute over Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. Naqvi reportedly asked for a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, resumption of bilateral ties with India, and financial or hosting concessions as conditions to reconsider the boycott call. The ICC has rejected key demands, and talks continue with Bangladesh and Pakistan, with the final decision still pending government and ICC engagement. (PC: X)

Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been demoted from the top tier to the Grade B category in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) 2025–26 annual central contracts list, following a revamp of the contract structure. The previously highest A+ category has been scrapped, leaving only three players — Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja — in the top A grade this season. Kohli and Rohit, now primarily playing only in the ODI format, join other stars in Grade B. The changes reflect a shift toward rewarding multi-format involvement and current contribution. (PC: X)

The ICC has told the Pakistan Cricket Board it has “nothing to offer” Bangladesh as compensation after their removal from the T20 World Cup, according to a report. The ICC, PCB and Bangladesh board held a four-hour meeting in Lahore over Pakistan’s boycott of the India match. No joint statement was issued after the talks. Sources said any decision will follow approval from the Pakistan government. The report said the ICC only assured Bangladesh it would receive its full share of ICC earnings. ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja advised PCB to take its case to the arbitration committee and “end the boycott… forthwith, as it was not good for cricket.” (PC: NDTV)