Breakthrough Expected as ICC, PCB, and BCB Conclude Talks on Pakistan’s India Match Boycott

LAHORE: Negotiations between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over Pakistan’s proposed boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India have concluded, with a major breakthrough expected within the next 24 hours.

The ICC continues efforts to persuade Pakistan to play the high-profile match against India in the T20 World Cup. In this regard, extensive talks were held in Lahore between ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with BCB President Aminul Islam also in attendance.

According to sources, the negotiations lasted for more than five hours, during which PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi focused on addressing what he described as the injustice faced by Bangladesh.

Sources said that following the conclusion of talks, there is a strong possibility of a significant development on the issue within the next 24 hours. During the meeting, proposals were exchanged between the ICC and the BCB, with the PCB acting as a facilitator between the two sides.

The ICC reportedly responded positively to Bangladesh Cricket Board’s demands and has prepared a formula to compensate for the unfair treatment of Bangladesh. ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja has since departed to seek final approval for the proposed measures, while BCB President Aminul Islam has returned to brief his government.

Sources added that after reaching consensus on the mutual formula, the ICC and BCB are expected to re-establish contact later today.

Earlier, it was reported that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja that the decision not to play against India rests with the Pakistani government, and any decision to proceed with the match would also be made by the government.

Pakistan had announced its decision to boycott the match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh had earlier expressed security concerns over playing its World Cup matches in India and requested that its fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected the request and instead included Scotland in the tournament in place of Bangladesh.

In response, Pakistan refused to play its scheduled match against India on February 15. Sources warned that if the Pakistan–India match does not take place, the ICC could face significant financial losses.