LONDON / LAHORE — Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ihsan Mani has called on current ICC Chairman Jay Shah to take a direct and personal role in defusing the crisis following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its high-profile T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo.
The boycott announcement by the Pakistan government on February 1 has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, threatening significant revenue losses and logistical chaos for the tournament hosts, Sri Lanka.
Direct Diplomacy Over Proxies
Speaking from London, Mani criticized the ICC’s decision to appoint Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja as a negotiator, arguing that the gravity of the situation requires the top leadership.
- “Go to Pakistan”: Mani urged Jay Shah to visit Pakistan personally to engage with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the government. He noted that Shah must act as the ICC chief, not a representative of the BCCI, to save the “global game.”
- Avoid “Double Standards”: Mani pointed out that the ICC set a precedent by allowing India to use a “hybrid model” for the 2025 Champions Trophy due to their government’s refusal to play in Pakistan. He argued that Pakistan is now applying the same logic, following its own government’s directive.
Financial and Legal Stakes
Mani highlighted the deep-rooted inequalities and grievances that have led to this standoff:
- Revenue Imbalance: He noted that despite the India-Pakistan match being the ICC’s primary cash cow, Pakistan receives only 5.75% of ICC income compared to India’s 38.5%.
- The “Gentleman’s Game” Argument: Mani cited recent incidents of “disrespect,” including the Indian team allegedly refusing to shake hands with Pakistan players during the Asia Cup and avoiding the trophy presentation by Mohsin Naqvi.
- World Court of Arbitration: If the ICC Arbitration Committee—which Mani fears is biased toward India—rules against Pakistan, he suggested taking the case to the World Court of Arbitration in Switzerland, citing “political involvement” in ICC affairs as a winning legal ground.
The Current Situation in Colombo
While the diplomatic row continues in boardrooms, the practical impact is already being felt on the ground:
- Walkover Protocol: Under ICC rules, a walkover is not granted until match day. India’s captain is expected to arrive for the toss on Feb 15; if Pakistan fails to appear, India will be awarded two points and the win.
- Sri Lankan Distress: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially written to the PCB, warning that hotel and tourism cancellations in Colombo are already causing severe economic damage to the host nation.
- “Face-Saving” Offer: Reports suggest the ICC has offered a “face-saving” solution to the PCB behind closed doors, though the details remain undisclosed.
“If India, a month before a tournament, said their government didn’t want them to play in a country for a World Cup, would ICC really be so firm?” – Nasser Hussain
Calling out India & ICC’s double standards, while praising Bangladesh and Pakistan for stepping up. pic.twitter.com/jn6IT79HmD
— Kh4N PCT (@Kh4N_PCT) February 4, 2026
Pakistan’s Remaining World Cup Schedule
Despite the specific boycott of the India match, the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan team remains in the tournament:
- Feb 7: vs. Netherlands (Opening Match)
- Feb 10: vs. USA
- Feb 15: vs. India (Boycott Scheduled)
- Feb 18: vs. Namibia
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