PCB seeks revenue hike and bilateral ties restoration today

High-stakes drama continues to surround the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan has officially presented a list of demands to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding their participation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated it might reverse its decision to boycott the match against India, provided three specific conditions are met.

Senior officials from the PCB met with an ICC delegation in Lahore on Sunday. The meeting also included Aminul Islam Bulbul, the chief of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The primary agenda was to find a solution that ensures the high-profile India vs Pakistan T20 match takes place as scheduled on February 15.

The Three Conditions

According to reports, the PCB is using the threat of a boycott to negotiate better terms for itself. The board has outlined three non-negotiable demands:

1. Increased Revenue Share: Pakistan wants a bigger slice of the ICC financial pie. Currently, the PCB receives about 5.75 percent of the ICC’s total revenue, which amounts to roughly USD 34.51 million annually. They are the fourth-highest earners behind India, England, and Australia. However, the PCB argues that since the India vs Pakistan T20 clash generates massive global viewership and revenue, their share should reflect that contribution.
2. Restoration of Bilateral Cricket: The second condition involves restarting bilateral series with India. This is a complex demand because the ICC generally does not interfere in bilateral agreements, which are determined by the governments of the respective nations.
3. Handshake Protocol Enforcement: The final demand stems from previous tensions. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup. The PCB wants a guarantee that standard sporting protocols, including handshakes, will be enforced strictly.

Leverage and Logistics

It appears the PCB believes the ICC cannot afford to lose the India vs Pakistan T20 fixture. Broadcasters rely heavily on this specific match for advertising revenue. By threatening to sit out, Pakistan hopes to strong-arm the global body into financial and diplomatic concessions.

Meanwhile, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government in Pakistan has not yet given a clear green light for the team to play. Initially, the stance was a total boycott, potentially in solidarity with Bangladesh, who had also raised security concerns about playing in India. As negotiations continue, cricket fans in Odisha and across the globe are waiting to see if the ICC will bow to these demands or if the tournament will proceed without its biggest blockbuster match.

Source: From Public Domain