Lahore/New Delhi, February 10, 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match will go ahead as scheduled, while also granting relief to Bangladesh after its withdrawal from the tournament, easing concerns over possible penalties.
During recent meetings in Dubai, the ICC decided that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would not face any financial, sporting or administrative sanctions for its decision not to travel to India. Bangladesh was subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament lineup.
“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the ICC said in a statement. The governing body also clarified that the BCB retains the right to approach its Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) under existing regulations if it wishes to pursue the matter further.
In a move seen as a compensatory measure, the ICC has also awarded Bangladesh the hosting rights for a global event scheduled between 2028 and 2031.
Amid these developments, the high-profile India vs Pakistan fixture remains a key highlight of the tournament, with both cricket boards confirming their participation and preparations for the marquee clash.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi dismissed speculation that the board was facing pressure or potential punitive action from the ICC.
“You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. Everyone knows our Field Marshal (Asim Munir). We are not worried about any sanctions,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi also held discussions with ICC deputy chair Imran Khawaja, where he proposed measures to mitigate the impact of Bangladesh’s sudden exit. These included the revival of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket ties and the possibility of organising a tri-series involving Pakistan and Bangladesh to help offset financial losses.
The ICC’s decisions aim to maintain stability in the tournament schedule while ensuring that key fixtures — including the high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter — proceed as planned despite recent disruptions.
