India–Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash in Doubt as PCB Seeks PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Nod

India–Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash in Doubt as PCB Seeks PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Nod

Chandigarh : The possibility of a high-profile India–Pakistan clash at the upcoming T20 World Cup remains uncertain, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirming it will consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before taking a final decision. The move highlights the sensitive political context surrounding sporting ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, whose bilateral cricket relations have largely remained frozen for over a decade.

According to sources within the PCB, any decision on playing India in an ICC tournament setting requires clearance from the federal government due to diplomatic and security considerations. While India and Pakistan regularly face each other in multi-nation events organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), bilateral series between the two countries have not taken place since 2012–13.

A PCB official stated that the board is awaiting guidance from the government on whether the team should proceed with participation in a match against India should the two sides be drawn together in the tournament. “The PCB operates within the framework of national policy. Matters involving India are sensitive and require consultation at the highest level,” the official said.

The potential match has already generated significant interest among fans and broadcasters, as India–Pakistan encounters are among the most watched sporting events globally. Previous clashes in ICC tournaments have broken television and digital viewership records, making them commercially important for both cricket boards and the ICC. However, political tensions between the two countries have often cast uncertainty over such fixtures.

Relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained following a series of diplomatic disputes and security incidents in recent years. India has consistently maintained that sporting ties cannot be separated from broader political relations, while Pakistan has expressed willingness to continue engagement at the multilateral level but remains cautious about security and government directives.

In recent tournaments, such as the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, India and Pakistan were placed in the same groups but matches were held at neutral or host venues under heavy security. The PCB has previously said it would not unilaterally refuse to play India in ICC events but would follow the guidance of the government and the tournament organisers.

The ICC, which governs the T20 World Cup, has not yet commented on the PCB’s position. Tournament schedules are usually finalised well in advance, and any last-minute changes could have logistical and commercial implications. Analysts note that a potential withdrawal or refusal to play could result in points being awarded to one side, depending on tournament regulations.

Cricket experts believe that while political approval is required, the likelihood of a complete boycott remains low, given the importance of ICC events and the financial stakes involved. “Historically, both teams have continued to play each other in World Cups despite political tensions,” a former Pakistan cricketer said.

For fans on both sides of the border, the uncertainty has added another layer of drama to an already intense rivalry. Social media has been flooded with speculation, with supporters debating whether politics should influence sport.

The final decision is expected after consultations between the PCB and the Prime Minister’s Office. Until then, the fate of the much-anticipated India–Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter remains undecided, keeping cricket followers across the world in suspense.