Pakistanis have been trolling India after Indian media claimed the International Cricket Council (ICC) would punish Pakistan over its decision not to play against India in the T20 World Cup. Instead, ICC officials flew to Lahore for negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

 

The Government of Pakistan had earlier instructed the PCB not to play against India in the World Cup. The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, became controversial after the PCB accused the ICC of bias in decisions involving Bangladesh. 

 

Tensions escalated after Pakistan announces to boycott the clash against India at the T20 World Cup on Feb 15.

 

Following Pakistan’s stance, Indian media, including so called senior journalist Vikrant Gupta, claimed the ICC would punish Pakistan, remove it from the World Cup, or ban it from future events. However, ICC rules limit its authority, as the decision to skip the match came from the Pakistani government, not the PCB. The ICC can at most deduct points or fine Pakistan if it does not play. 

 

Pakistanis reminded critics that India has not visited Pakistan since 2008 and has repeatedly refused bilateral cricket under the instruction of Indian government.

 

Gupta also claimed that the PCB is trying to negotiate with the ICC, but the PCB categorically denied his claims, calling them, as usual, Indian media fictions.

 

Pakistani journalist Syed Yahya Husain responded to Indian media claims that Pakistan made a U-turn after the ICC visit. 

 

He said, “Agreed, right? Took the U-turn. I told you, didn’t I, that they will play on the 15th. These things are being talked about from the neighboring country, their media people, their ex-players, saying such things. I thought, if they are giving their narrative there, then we should also give our narrative here. It’s not about narrative; it’s about truth, it’s about principles, and it’s about rights. The decision was made by the government of Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board had nothing to do with it.”

 

He added, “Lahore has become the center of attention, and the world of cricket is focused here, where the Chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, along with Mubashir Usmani and Imran Khawaja, are negotiating. The terminology ‘U-turn’ is being used in a negative way. Pakistan stands with Bangladesh in a principled fight, and a principled fight always carries the message of victory.”

 

Pakistan cricketer Fawad Alam also responded to U-turn claims, saying, “There was talk of a U-turn, that PCB always takes a U-turn. Where did the ICC guy come from, bro? He came to Lahore, so how can you say that PCB will take a U-turn? We did not go to meet India. They have come here, and that is why negotiations are happening.”

 

Senior ICC officials held nearly four hours of talks on Sunday night in Lahore with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. ICC Vice Chairman Imran Khawaja, who arrived on an emergency visit, led the mediation. 

 

BCB President Aminul Islam also met Naqvi and Khawaja, while Emirates Cricket Board official Mubashir Usmani joined via video link. Reports said Sri Lanka Cricket and the Emirates board urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance.

 

According to media reports, Pakistan has demanded an increase in its share of ICC revenue and progress on the restoration of bilateral cricket with India, which the two sides have not played since 2012–13. Pakistan also asked the ICC to ensure on-field protocols are followed, citing incidents from the Asia Cup 2025, including India not shaking hands before the toss and closing dressing room doors after winning. 

 

The ICC has responded positively to demands raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board and prepared a formula to address the injustice done to Bangladesh.

 

Pakistan could still face India in the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup if the conditions the country has presented are accepted, with the final decision resting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

 

Indian media, however, continues to rant that Pakistan took a U-turn and that its prime minister could not stand firm, while the ICC flying in to meet PCB Chairman clearly shows who actually made the U-turn and who is desperate for negotiations.