ICC rejects Pakistan’s demands, assures Bangladesh of revenue share amid T20 World Cup row

Bengaluru: In a fresh setback to Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a firm stand on multiple issues surrounding the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and ongoing regional cricket disputes.

Amid tensions over the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, the ICC has clarified its position regarding Bangladesh and Pakistan, making it clear that Bangladesh will not face any punishment and will continue to receive its rightful share of ICC revenues.

The decision comes after Pakistan reportedly sought ICC intervention to pressure India into playing bilateral cricket series with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, the ICC has categorically rejected this demand, stating that bilateral cricket falls outside its jurisdiction.

The governing body reiterated that decisions on bilateral tours are solely up to the respective cricket boards and their governments. The ICC also made it clear that it will not interfere in matters related to bilateral series even during ICC tournament cycles such as the World Test Championship.

A proposal to organize a tri-series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh was also dismissed on similar grounds. Another major issue discussed was Bangladesh’s hosting rights. Due to political unrest and internal disturbances last year, the Women’s T20 World Cup was shifted from Bangladesh to Dubai.

While Bangladesh lost the opportunity to host the tournament, the ICC has now acknowledged that the country should not suffer financial losses for circumstances beyond its control. The board has assured that Bangladesh will receive its full share of ICC revenue despite being unable to host the event.

Sources indicate that the ICC is now considering awarding Bangladesh hosting rights for a future global event, possibly an Under-19 World Cup, as partial compensation for the earlier setback.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over the India-Pakistan match scheduled for February 15. After a prolonged meeting in Lahore, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi stated that no immediate decision would be taken and that consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were required.

The ICC has reportedly given Pakistan a one-day deadline to finalize its position. According to insiders, an official announcement on the fate of the India-Pakistan fixture could be made either by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.

The ICC is particularly concerned about the financial implications of the India-Pakistan encounter, widely regarded as the most revenue-generating match in world cricket. Cancellation of the match would not only affect the ICC but also impact the annual earnings of all member boards.

For now, the ICC remains focused on ensuring the stability of the tournament and protecting the economic balance of global cricket. With tensions rising and decisions pending, the cricketing world awaits the final verdict on one of the most high-profile matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: India will play against Pakistan on February 15