Former ICC chief Ehsan Mani cites political deadlock, urges top-level talks
February 8, 2026: The fate of the India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain after the Pakistani government instructed its team not to play the scheduled February 15 match against India. Following the decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have initiated formal discussions to resolve the crisis, even as back-channel talks continue. However, former ICC chairman Ehsan Mani has cautioned fans against optimism, warning that the situation may have already gone too far.
Speaking to Revsportz, Mani attributed the standoff primarily to political involvement, describing Pakistan’s decision as a reaction born out of frustration. While refraining from blaming any single party, he stressed that dialogue should have preceded such drastic steps. Mani noted that the ICC board’s decision was unanimous except for Pakistan, and while board resolutions are generally accepted, the PCB feels it was treated unfairly and politically sidelined.
Mani emphasised that only direct discussions at the highest level can break the impasse. He suggested that a chairman-to-chairman meeting between ICC leadership and PCB officials is essential, rather than relying on intermediaries. Recalling his tenure, Mani said personal engagement helped resolve sensitive issues in the past and concluded that if genuine goodwill exists on both sides, a solution is still possible.