ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) together with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have finished their discussions about Pakistan’s potential T20 World Cup match boycott against India. ICC officials expect to achieve important progress within the upcoming 24 hours.
The ICC maintains its efforts to convince Pakistan to participate in their upcoming T20 World Cup match against India, according to multiple sources. The ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja held key meetings with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at Lahore which BCB President Aminul Islam attended.
The discussions extended beyond five hours because Mohsin Naqvi concentrated on proving that Bangladesh had received unfair treatment from the ICC. The PCB served as a mediator during the entire discussion process.
The sources indicate that the talks have reached their conclusion so a breakthrough will occur within 24 hours. The ICC has accepted the demands made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board which includes a financial compensation plan to cover Bangladesh’s damages.
Imran Khawaja has returned to seek final approval of proposed solutions while Aminul Islam has departed to brief his government. The ICC and BCB will resume their discussions today after both parties reached a temporary agreement on the formula.
The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka because of security issues. Bangladesh was subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.
In response, Pakistan refused to play its scheduled match against India on February 15. Sources warned that the absence of a Pakistan–India clash could result in significant financial losses for the ICC.
Pakistan sets key condition for India match, claims Kamran Akmal
Earlier, former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make the India match in upcoming ICC events conditional on a broader series being agreed upon between the two countries.
Akmal revealed on ARY News sports program that his sources informed him about the PCB position which states that Pakistan will play their World Cup match against India only after both countries establish a bilateral series. He added that this would be a key condition in upcoming meetings.
Akmal also mentioned that the PCB intends to discuss the grant/funding they receive from the ICC during these meetings. He stressed that Pakistan, having won all major ICC events, deserves a fair share of funding.
The existing situation provides us with an ICC event we can skip if your team refuses to play at this level. The PCB should demand that India plays their match in the World Test Championship while they need to request increased funding.
