ICC Presses Pakistan to Reconsider India Match as PM to Decide
Lahore
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will make the final decision on whether Pakistan plays its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India after consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), following renewed engagement by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Sources familiar with the matter said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet the prime minister within the next two days to seek government guidance on Pakistan’s announced boycott of the high-profile Group A fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
During the meeting, Naqvi will brief the prime minister on the ICC’s position before Pakistan delivers any formal response. The development followed talks on Sunday between ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam, and the PCB chairman.
ICC and PCB Hold Talks in Lahore
Officials from the PCB, ICC, and BCB held an extended meeting at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as cricket authorities intensified efforts to persuade Pakistan to reconsider its stance.
Sources said discussions took place in a cordial environment, with Pakistan clearly presenting its reservations through detailed arguments. The ICC delegation urged the PCB to review its decision, stressing the broader interests of international cricket.
Khawaja encouraged PCB officials to participate in the match, arguing that the game’s integrity depends on full participation by all teams. At the same time, he acknowledged Pakistan’s and Bangladesh’s concerns on other issues and assured both boards that the ICC would work to address them.
Following the meeting, Khawaja is expected to brief the ICC leadership. Based on his report, the governing body will communicate its response to Pakistan’s conditions and proposals within one or two days.
Government Holds Final Authority
Naqvi made it clear during the talks that the final decision rests with the government. In the next phase, he will brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on all aspects of the discussions, including the ICC’s appeal and Pakistan’s official position.
Khawaja arrived in Lahore earlier in the day and was received by PCB adviser Amir Mir. Aminul Islam arrived separately and was welcomed by HBL Pakistan Super League Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer. Both Mir and Naseer attended the meeting at Gaddafi Stadium.
In a statement, the PCB said it “warmly welcomed” the visiting officials.
World Cup Context and Regional Tensions
Officials also discussed broader issues related to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting. During the talks, the BCB president thanked Pakistan for supporting Bangladesh in its dispute with the ICC over tournament-related matters.
Pakistan hardened its position last week after the federal government announced that while the national team would participate in the World Cup, it would not play the match against India.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026; however, the team shall not take the field in the match scheduled for February 15, 2026, against India,” the statement said.
In response, the ICC said selective participation conflicted with the core principles of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams must compete under the agreed schedule.
Tournament Developments
The World Cup, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups, began on Saturday. Pakistan opened its campaign with a win over the Netherlands on February 7. India, the United States, and Namibia complete Group A.
Initially, Bangladesh was included in the group but requested the ICC to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka after political activists objected to the participation of its star player, Mustafeezur Rehman. The ICC rejected the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.
Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s position and protested the ICC’s decision, further straining relations between the PCB and the governing body. Sources said Naqvi and Islam also exchanged views on how these tensions have affected the tournament schedule.
High Stakes for ICC
The Pakistan-India match remains the tournament’s marquee fixture, generating millions of dollars in broadcast, sponsorship, and advertising revenue. The ICC has continued its engagement with PCB leadership, tasking Khawaja with persuading Pakistan to reconsider its decision.
The outcome of discussions between the ICC, PCB, and BCB — along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s impending decision — is now expected to shape the future course of the tournament.
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