How ICC Pressure Forced Pakistan's U-Turn On India Match

After an 8-9 day standoff, Pakistan reversed its boycott call on the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match following intense pressure from multiple fronts. The PCB faced the threat of heavy financial penalties and possible ICC sanctions for violating tournament participation rules. The ICC warned Pakistan against selective participation, while cricket boards from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the UAE urged PCB to reconsider. Sri Lanka flagged major losses to tourism and hospitality, and the Emirates Cricket Board-one of PCB's closest allies-also stepped in.