Exclusive | 'Talks are ongoing': Najam Sethi hopeful of breakthrough on T20 World Cup 2026 India-Pakistan clash despite boycott calls

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi is hopeful that Pakistan will play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup despite boycott calls. Notably, Pakistan have refused to play against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, to show solidarity with Bangladesh, who are replaced with Scotland in the mega event.

Najam Sethi, who served as the PCB chief from 2022 to 2023, believes that the PCB has spoken to the government and taken this decision after those discussions. There are still around 10 to 15 days left before that match, so there is some time. The 77-year-old feels that talks are going on quietly in the background at the moment, and those discussions will lead to a positive outcome.

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"I'm giving you my view. The PCB apparently consulted the government and they say they have and they took this decision. They've also given, think, there's 10, 15 days to go before that particular match. My sense is that there are negotiations that are taking place right now and I'm hoping that those negotiations will bear fruit. But what I'm saying to you is my view. It's not, I'm not representing the PCB here" Najam Sethi exclusively told Sports Tak.

Why Pakistan are boycotting T20 World Cup clash against India?

Pakistan are calling for a boycott of their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India as a sign of support for Bangladesh, who were dropped from the tournament earlier.

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Bangladesh were ruled out after they refused to travel to India, saying they had security concerns. The ICC held several meetings with officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to review the situation. After assessing the matter, the ICC concluded that the security risk was low and similar to what exists at most major sporting events.

With multiple discussions already done and the tournament schedule announced, the ICC decided to remove Bangladesh from the competition and replace them with Scotland.

As per the tournament schedule the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on Februrary 15 in Colombo.