Highlights:
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BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla says ICC will decide on India–Pakistan group-stage fixture
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Pakistan has announced it will not play the February 15 match in Colombo
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BCCI states it will follow whatever decision the ICC takes
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Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly calls Pakistan’s move “surprising”
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India open campaign with 29-run win over USA at Wankhede Stadium
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, has clarified that the International Cricket Council will determine the fate of the India–Pakistan group-stage match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The development follows Pakistan’s announcement that it will not participate in the scheduled fixture on February 15 in Colombo.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said the matter rests entirely with the ICC, the sport’s global governing body. Speaking on the sidelines of a dinner hosted by India head coach Gautam Gambhir at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday (8), Shukla emphasized that the BCCI would comply with any decision taken by the ICC regarding the fixture.
“We have left everything to the ICC. We will follow whatever decision the ICC takes,” Shukla said.
The BCCI position signals that the board will not intervene independently in the scheduling issue and will instead defer to the ICC’s authority. The India–Pakistan fixture is traditionally one of the most watched matches in ICC tournaments, and uncertainty around the contest has drawn attention across the cricketing world.
BCCI responds after Pakistan withdraws from scheduled match
Pakistan’s decision not to play the group-stage match in Colombo has added uncertainty to the tournament schedule. The February 15 clash was expected to be one of the key fixtures in the group phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The BCCI has maintained that the ICC alone has jurisdiction over tournament scheduling and match decisions. By reiterating that it will abide by the ICC’s ruling, the BCCI has sought to clarify its stance amid speculation over possible alternatives.
The ICC has not yet publicly announced how it will address the situation. Any decision could have implications for group standings, qualification scenarios, and tournament logistics.
BCCI and former president Sourav Ganguly react
Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly described Pakistan’s decision as unexpected, particularly given the context of a global tournament.
“Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka anyway,” Ganguly said in New Delhi. “In a World Cup, every point is important.”
His remarks highlighted the competitive impact of the match. In a group-stage format, each game carries points that directly influence qualification for the knockout stages. The absence of a fixture between two major teams could affect standings calculations and net run rate considerations.
The BCCI has not issued further comment beyond confirming that it will follow the ICC’s direction.
BCCI-led India begin campaign with win
While uncertainty remains over the India–Pakistan fixture, India have begun their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a win. Playing at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, India defeated the United States by 29 runs in their opening match.
Batting first, India posted 161 for 9 in 20 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 84 off 49 deliveries. His innings anchored the total after early pressure.
In response, the United States were limited to 132 for 8. Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh took key wickets as India maintained control during the chase. The disciplined bowling effort secured India’s first points in the group stage.
India are scheduled to face Namibia in Delhi on Thursday. The BCCI-backed squad will look to strengthen its position in the standings while awaiting clarity from the ICC regarding the Pakistan match.
BCCI squad details for T20 World Cup 2026
The BCCI-selected squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 combines experienced internationals and younger players. Suryakumar Yadav leads the side.
The squad includes Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Rinku Singh.
The BCCI has placed responsibility for the India–Pakistan fixture entirely with the ICC, reinforcing the governing body’s role in tournament administration.
BCCI awaits ICC ruling on high-profile fixture
With Pakistan declining to play the scheduled group-stage match, attention now turns to the ICC’s response. The BCCI has made clear that it will implement whatever outcome is determined by the global body.
The India–Pakistan contest is historically one of the most significant fixtures in international cricket, drawing global viewership and commercial interest. However, the BCCI has stated that it will not take unilateral action and will instead follow the ICC framework governing the T20 World Cup 2026.
As the tournament progresses, clarity on the fixture is expected from the ICC. Until then, the BCCI position remains consistent: the final decision lies with the ICC.
