Pakistan's 3 Major Demands to Play India in T20 World Cup

Cricket's biggest deadlock is reaching a breaking point! Sparked by a "selective boycott" over venue disputes, the India-Pakistan clash now hinges on three shock demands from the PCB: more revenue, a bilateral roadmap, and formal handshake protocols. With the February 15 blockbuster just days away, will the ICC blink, or will Pakistan face a total ban? The ultimate power play is unfolding right now.

The $34 Million Gambit: Pakistan's 3 Shock Demands to Play India

The cricketing world is currently holding its breath. With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 already underway, the biggest question isn't who will lift the trophy, but whether the world will witness the legendary India vs. Pakistan clash on February 15 in Colombo.

As of February 9, 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has signalled a dramatic "conditional U-turn." They are ready to play—but only if the ICC agrees to three massive demands.

How the Drama Started: The "Selective Boycott"

To understand where we are, we have to look back at January 2026. The tension ignited when Bangladesh refused to travel to India for their scheduled matches. In a swift move, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

Pakistan viewed this as a slight. Citing "security and sovereign pride," the PCB, backed by its government, announced a policy of "selective participation." They agreed to play every other team in the tournament but vowed to boycott the high-voltage game against India. This move threatened to wipe out hundreds of millions in broadcast revenue, prompting the ICC to declare a state of emergency.

The 3 Demands: What Does Pakistan Want?

After intense behind-the-scenes negotiations in Lahore, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly placed three "non-negotiable" conditions on the table to save the February 15 blockbuster:

1. A Bigger Slice of the Pie: Pakistan is demanding a significant increase in its annual ICC revenue share (currently $34.5 million), arguing that its presence drives the tournament's commercial success.
2. The Bilateral Roadmap: The PCB seeks a written, legally binding commitment from the ICC and BCCI to resume India-Pakistan bilateral series starting in late 2026.
3. The "Handshake" Protocol: In a unique twist, they have demanded a strict enforcement of post-match courtesies, ensuring Indian players participate in the customary handshake to avoid "diplomatic snubs" seen in previous years.

Where It Stands Currently: The Final Countdown

Right now, the situation is a high-stakes game of poker. The ICC has countered with a "nuclear" threat: if Pakistan forfeits the India match, it faces full suspension from international cricket and a total freeze on its financial payouts.

As of this afternoon, Mohsin Naqvi is in a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The government's "green light" is the final hurdle. With the match just six days away, broadcasters are sweating, fans are praying, and the spirit of the game hangs by a thread.

Also Read: No ICC Board Meeting Yet: No Progress on Pakistan's Threat