Pakistan may agree to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 if the ICC accepts three conditions set by the Pakistan Cricket Board, according to a report. PCB officials discussed the issue with ICC delegates in Lahore, along with Bangladesh board chief Aminul Islam. The report says PCB wants a higher share of ICC revenue, restoration of bilateral cricket with India, and strict enforcement of a handshake protocol between teams. Pakistan had earlier announced it would not play the February 15 match. ICC officials are trying to find a solution. Bangladesh is also part of the talks and may seek compensation as discussions continue. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to help restore India–Pakistan bilateral cricket ties and address tensions as Islamabad considers boycotting its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Naqvi presented three conditions to the ICC delegation—higher revenue share, resumption of bilateral series, and adherence to cricketing etiquette like player handshakes after matches—to end Pakistan’s boycott call. The demand comes amid lingering fallout from the Asia Cup 2025 controversy, where India and Pakistan refused traditional handshakes, and broader political tensions. (PC: AP)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted the Indian cricket team for a dinner at his Delhi residence ahead of their T20 World Cup match against Namibia on February 12. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla was also present. It is the second team dinner hosted by Gambhir during his time as head coach. India began their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA at Wankhede Stadium. Captain Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 84 to guide the team to 161 for nine after early wickets. Indian bowlers then restricted the USA to 132 for eight to seal the victory. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh has entered talks with Pakistan as the ICC faces a new problem over Pakistan’s plan to boycott the India match in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam Bulbul has reached Lahore to meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Two ICC officials are also expected to attend the meeting. Pakistan has said it will not play India on February 15 after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament over venue security concerns. Naqvi called Bangladesh’s removal “unjust” and “politically motivated.” The ICC has warned Pakistan of strict penalties if it refuses to play. All sides are trying to settle the issue quickly. (PC: NDTV)

There is a dramatic twist in the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott row, with the ICC opening formal talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board over the February 15 match. Pakistan had earlier announced it would skip the game in support of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. According to reports, the PCB reopened dialogue after the ICC warned of possible financial damage if the team does not play. An ICC official said, “There would be a dialogue, not confrontation.” The ICC also said the force majeure claim needs clear reasons. The PCB has said it will consult its government and discuss possible next steps.

Ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against Namibia in Delhi on February 12, the Indian cricket team has cancelled an optional practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, signalling a strategic decision by team management. After starting their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, India opted to rest key players amid injury and fitness concerns, including the recent loss of pacer Harshit Rana and illness for Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma. Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to join the squad in Delhi, bolstering India’s options ahead of the crucial fixture. (PC: The Times of India)

Former International Cricket Council chairman Ehsan Mani has criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India. The Pakistan government has told its team not to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Mani said the move was driven by frustration and political involvement. He urged both sides to talk instead of taking drastic steps. Mani said early dialogue could have avoided the crisis. He added that only direct talks between top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board and ICC can resolve the issue. (PC: AFP)

India beat USA by 29 runs in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. India had a poor start after choosing to bat and slipped to 46 for 4 in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma was out for a golden duck. Shadley van Schalkwyk took three quick wickets and finished with 4 for 25. Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. India posted 161 for 9 on a slow pitch. USA fought hard in the chase but reached only 132 for 8. Mohammed Siraj took 3 for 29 to seal the result.

India began their Group A match of the T20 World Cup against USA with an early setback after being sent in to bat first at Wankhede Stadium. USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and chose to bowl. Ishan Kishan opened with a six to get off the mark. But Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck to Ali Khan. Tilak Varma then joined Kishan to rebuild the innings. Sanju Samson was not included in the playing XI. Mohammed Siraj replaced the unwell Jasprit Bumrah. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav were also left out for this game. (PC: NDTV)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly refuted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistani commentators’ claims that India has been “bullying” Pakistan in cricket, particularly after Pakistan’s decision to potentially boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. Gavaskar stressed that India has historically taken the first step in sporting and cultural exchanges, citing Pakistani players and commentators in the IPL and invitations extended by India that were not reciprocated. He said India isn’t bullying anyone but “minding its own business” and questioned Pakistan’s use of the term, urging them to “stand up to the bully” if they truly believe it. (PC: PTI)