'We will not play against India'

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The ringtone of my phone startled me. I picked it up immediately to see a message that read:
“The Pakistani government has prohibited the cricket team from playing against India. Until India ceases its state-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan and other regions, no cricketing ties of any kind will be restored,” said a spokesperson.

Reading this, I started pondering whether such a move might isolate Pakistan in international cricket. I heard about a PCB meeting where a “lawyer” warned senior officials about potential repercussions: “If we do this, it will lead to these consequences…” But no one was willing to listen to him.

Shortly afterward, the ICC began pressuring Pakistan to participate in their match against India during the Champions Trophy, warning of significant financial losses otherwise. PCB’s response was resolute: “We are only following government directives.” The Indian cricket board (BCCI), infuriated, demanded to see an official letter from the Pakistani government. PCB promptly sent the letter and also pushed for the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. Under this arrangement, all of India’s matches were held in the UAE.

The world eagerly awaited the Pakistan-India clash. However, Pakistan refused to play, conceding a walkover. This triggered an emergency ICC meeting where officials tried to impose sanctions on PCB. But Pakistan’s representatives expertly countered by reminding England, Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies of their own instances of boycotting World Cup matches for various reasons. “If our government has prohibited us, how can we go against their directive?”

Some suggested imposing sanctions on Pakistan. But the legal advisor whispered to an ICC official: “Governments’ orders leave us with no choice.” The meeting ended inconclusively, and broadcasters, facing financial losses, began contemplating lawsuits against ICC. Other boards also felt the strain. Meanwhile, the Indian team failed to reach the final, leading to the marquee match of the tournament being held in Lahore.

The state-of-the-art Gaddafi Stadium was packed to capacity. Fans praised PCB’s visionary leadership for their efforts in revamping stadiums. Television viewership broke records. Despite initial fears that PSL would suffer due to reduced foreign player participation, local fans thronged stadiums, and PCB’s coffers swelled. Emerging talent came to the fore. Foreign teams, including England, Australia, and New Zealand, continued touring Pakistan, and the national team climbed rankings steadily.

Fast forward to February-March 2026, when the T20 World Cup was scheduled to take place in India. ICC and BCCI proposed opening the tournament with a Pakistan-India match in Ahmedabad, anticipating record crowds, lucrative sponsorships, and broadcasting revenue. “This one match can cover the tournament’s entire expenses,” they reasoned.

However, before the schedule could be finalized, PCB announced yet again: “Our government has barred us from traveling to India.” BCCI, frustrated, argued: “Sports and politics should not mix! We guarantee foolproof security.” Pakistan stood its ground and produced another government letter. Eventually, the much-anticipated match was moved to Sri Lanka. Even the final, initially slated for Mumbai, had to be shifted to Colombo when Pakistan qualified.

Indian fans were furious at being deprived of witnessing such a monumental clash on home soil and protested against their board. But the final went ahead in Sri Lanka, and Pakistan’s cricket continued to thrive. Revenues grew, new stars emerged, and PSL expanded to include two more teams, further bolstering PCB’s financial position.

This dream scenario left me smiling until my son’s voice jolted me awake: “Dad, aren’t you going to drop us at school?” It was all a dream.

Still, the question lingered: What if this actually happened? Would Pakistan’s cricket crumble, or would it continue to flourish?

What do you think? Let me know!