Former ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ehsan Mani has called on ICC chairman Jay Shah to take a hands-on role in resolving the political standoff that has overshadowed the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With Pakistan set to boycott the high-profile group-stage clash against India on February 15 in Colombo, Mani believes only direct dialogue with the Pakistani government can prevent further damage to the tournament and the sport.
Speaking to Dawn, Ehsan Mani urged Shah to “go to Pakistan” and engage personally with government officials to convince them to reverse the boycott decision. He also stressed that the ICC chairman should listen to Pakistan’s grievances instead of relying solely on intermediaries.
According to Ehsan Mani, the growing politicisation of cricket in the subcontinent has turned the World Cup into a diplomatic battleground, with cricketing considerations taking a back seat. The controversy escalated after Bangladesh, reportedly backed by Pakistan, initially refused to tour India, citing security concerns.
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When the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s stance and replaced them with Scotland due to missed deadlines, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi termed the decision an “injustice.” Soon after, the Pakistani government instructed its team to boycott the India fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Reports suggest ICC deputy chairman Imran Khawaja has been asked to mediate talks between the PCB and the ICC. However, Mani questioned whether Khawaja is the right person for such a sensitive negotiation, reiterating that the ICC chairman’s direct involvement would carry more weight. He warned that a potential no-show by India and Pakistan could lead to significant financial losses for the ICC, broadcasters, sponsors, and member boards, given the commercial value of the marquee rivalry.
Beyond financial fallout, Mani highlighted possible legal consequences. Pakistan has signed a Members Participation Agreement (MPA) for the tournament, and a boycott could be viewed as a breach of contract.
While Mani admitted Pakistan’s legal case may not be the strongest—especially since the ICC had already accommodated concerns by shifting Pakistan’s matches from India to Sri Lanka under a hybrid model—he maintained that a competent legal team could still challenge the circumstances.
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As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, the ICC faces mounting pressure to ensure that politics does not undermine the tournament’s integrity. With fans, broadcasters, and stakeholders watching closely, the resolution of the India-Pakistan standoff could define not just this World Cup, but the future handling of political disputes in international cricket.
