ICC Assigns Envoy to Resolve Pak-India T20 Dispute

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly expressed serious concern after Pakistan declined to play against India in the group stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. According to reports in the Indian media, the ICC is seeking diplomatic avenues to resolve the standoff and has assigned Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja to lead back-channel negotiations.

Imran Khawaja, who represents the Singapore Cricket Association, has been tasked with persuading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its stance. Media reports describe Khawaja’s role as that of a “peacemaker” in the current situation.

This development follows an announcement by the Pakistani government on Sunday, stating that while the national team has been cleared to participate in the tournament, it will not take the field for the scheduled match against India on February 15. Reports further suggest that the PCB has not yet formally communicated this decision to the ICC through its official platforms.