High-level meetings planned in Lahore amid World Cup uncertainty
The International Cricket Council is set to reassess its stance as a high-level delegation of the global cricket body is expected to arrive in Pakistan within the next few hours for urgent consultations with local officials.
According to sources, the ICC delegation, led by its deputy chairman, will land in Lahore, where immediate meetings have been scheduled with representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board. The talks will primarily focus on the situation that developed after Pakistan announced its decision to boycott its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture against India.
The boycott has triggered uncertainty around the tournament schedule, as the highly anticipated Pakistan–India clash is set to take place on February 15. Consequently, the ICC is seeking direct engagement with Pakistani authorities to better understand the government’s position and explore possible ways forward.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam has also arrived in Pakistan to participate in discussions with the PCB and ICC officials. His presence is being viewed as part of broader diplomatic efforts within the cricketing fraternity to address the growing tensions and assess their impact on the World Cup.
Sources said the meetings in Lahore will examine logistical, political, and sporting implications arising from the boycott announcement. In addition, officials are expected to deliberate on contingency plans should the standoff persist, as well as the potential consequences for the tournament’s credibility and scheduling.
The Pakistan government has already publicly confirmed its decision to boycott the match against India, adding pressure on the ICC to respond swiftly. As a result, the upcoming talks are being regarded as critical in shaping the immediate future of the World Cup fixture and determining whether any compromise or alternative arrangement can be reached.
Observers believe the outcome of the meetings could influence not only the Pakistan–India match but also broader relations within international cricket during the ongoing tournament.
