11 ‘accidental’ IND vs PAK matches since last February:ICC, broadcasters, PCB or BCCI who is to blame for the T20 World Cup mess?

Pakistan on Monday announced on social media that they would be boycotting their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India, due to be played on 15 February. They confirmed their participation but have take up a stand against India. The issue stems from Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad, following increasing political pressure, prompting the BCCI to axe the Bangladeshi cricketer a month after he became the most expensive player from his country. Bangladesh retaliated by refusing to play the T20 World Cup in India, citing security reasons. Pakistan supported them, and after ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, India are one again at loggerheads with their arch-rivals. India vs Pakistan – 11 accidental meetings since last February The animosity between the two nations has been at its peak since Operation Sindoor. The Asia Cup 2025 witnessed plenty of controversies. Suryakumar Yadav’s men refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and even refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. The two nations have not played bilateral cricket since 2012-13, but have regularly been placed in the same groups in ICC and ACC events every year. Since February 2025, India have played Pakistan 11 times, a mere coincidence, some might say. After the meeting in the Champions Trophy group stage, India defeated Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup. The Indian women’s team played Pakistan in the ODI World Cup group stage, followed by another meeting in Rising Stars Asia Cup. Then, the U-19 teams of both countries played each other thrice. If one includes the upcoming T20 World Cup group stage match, and the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup match, the two nations would have played 11 games in under one year. Broadcasters, ICC, PCB, or BCCI who is at fault? The age-old rivalry is a golden goose for the broadcasters. Cricbuzz reported that every India-Pakistan match is worth around ₹200 crore according to the current media rights deal between ICC and the Jio Star. Needless to say, the money generated from the India-Pakistan matches ends up in the pockets of the broadcasters and the cricket boards of both countries. However, ICC, being the global body, faces a huge threat to its authority as Pakistan threaten to take the rogue route at the last minute. Reports claim that ICC will sanction the PCB, and impose hefty fines, but it remains to be seen if the practice of putting the two nations in the same group ends anytime soon. Fate of the T20 World Cup hangs in the balance Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match could impact not just the boards, but also the fans as well. With less than a week remaining before the T20 World Cup begins, the uncertainty of the marquee fixture will leave fans in the dark. Many would have made their travel bookings to Sri Lanka, and the domino effect could impact several individuals in the ecosystem, right down to the street vendors. While BCCI have said they will abide by ICC’s rules, it remains to be seen what route the PCB takes next. PTI reported that PCB will stick to the verdict of the Pakistani government, and that could leave the ICC with another tug of war less than a week before the tournament begins.