UAE steps in to control Pakistan [Source: @TsMeSalman, @EmiratesCricket/X.com]The political storm around the India-Pakistan fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 refuses to die down. Pakistan’s decision to boycott the February 15 match has now drawn the United Arab Emirates Cricket Board directly into the controversy. With global cricketing interests at stake, the UAE board has stepped in as a mediator. As pressure builds from the ICC and Associate nations, all eyes are now on PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan government, with a final call expected very soon.UAE steps in, urges PCB to act quicklyAccording to RevSportz, the Emirates Cricket Board has formally written to the PCB, asking it to reconsider its refusal to play India in Colombo. The letter was addressed to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and stressed the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and UAE cricket.In the letter, the UAE board reminded the PCB that the Emirates had repeatedly supported Pakistan in difficult times. For nearly a decade after the 2009 Lahore attack, the men in green used UAE venues as their home grounds. The Emirates board added that this history created a sense of responsibility and mutual trust. According to the UAE board, Associate nations would be the biggest losers if the high-profile India-Pakistan fixture does not go ahead. The communication clearly requested the PCB to find a mutually acceptable solution quickly. A decision is now reportedly expected within days, with the ICC pushing for clarity before the February 15 deadline. Pakistan to make a decision within 24 hoursThat being said, the long-running standoff between the PCB and the ICC over the India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup could soon be resolved. On Sunday, an ICC delegation reached Pakistan to meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The delegation included ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and associate members’ representative Mubashir Usmani.According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, Pakistan has softened its stand but has placed three conditions before the ICC. The PCB has asked for a higher revenue share, support in reviving bilateral cricket ties with India, and a return to traditional handshakes between players in India-Pakistan matches. Mohsin Naqvi also raised the no-handshake incident from the Asia Cup, stressing that players must respect the spirit of the game. Bangladesh Joins talks as final call awaits PM's nodThe meeting was also attended by BCB president Aminul Islam, who put forward his own demands. Bangladesh has asked the ICC for financial compensation and hosting rights for a future ICC event, possibly the U19 World Cup in 2028.ICC officials reportedly assured both boards that their demands would be placed before the ICC Board for discussion. However, the final decision on whether Pakistan will play India does not rest with the PCB alone.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will reportedly take the final call, as the boycott decision came from the government. Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is expected to meet Sharif soon. A final verdict is likely in the coming hours, with the cricketing world watching closely.
