The Pakistan Cricket Board has formally sought government guidance on a proposed boycott of its T20 World Cup fixture against India.Officials familiar with the matter say a breakthrough is likely within 24 hours as consultations intensify.The move follows extended negotiations involving the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
High-level talks concluded in Lahore after more than five hours of discussions involving the PCB, ICC, and BCB.The meetings focused on resolving disputes linked to tournament scheduling and governance.During the talks, the PCB acted as the primary coordinator between the ICC and Bangladesh.Proposals were exchanged as part of an effort to ease tensions and find common ground.
Sources say the ICC responded positively to Bangladesh’s concerns and prepared a workable formula to address grievances.Following the meeting, ICC officials returned to headquarters to seek internal approvals.Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s cricket leadership travelled back to brief its government.Officials expect the ICC and BCB to reconnect shortly to finalise the outcome.
At the same time, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before a final decision is taken.Sources confirm that government direction is being sought due to the political and diplomatic sensitivity of the fixture.The prime minister will make the final call on Pakistan’s participation in the match.
The situation developed after Pakistan announced it may boycott the February 15 match against India.The PCB cited concerns over what it described as a biased approach by tournament organisers.Bangladesh’s dispute with cricket authorities further complicated the matter.Tensions escalated earlier after a Bangladeshi fast bowler was dropped from a major league following intervention by Indian officials.This decision triggered backlash and widened the conflict.
Any India-Pakistan encounter remains one of the most commercially valuable fixtures in world cricket.Broadcasting, sponsorship, and advertising revenues depend heavily on the clash.Industry estimates place the value of a single T20 match in the hundreds of millions.However, officials maintain that national interests will not be compromised for financial gain.
Recently, reports suggested that Pakistan had initiated dialogue to resolve the issue.The PCB rejected those claims and denied offering any back-channel talks.Officials clarified that all engagement has occurred through formal platforms only.They reiterated that Pakistan’s position remains unchanged unless concerns are addressed.
Attention now turns to Islamabad as the decision window narrows.Observers believe clarity will emerge within hours rather than days.Until then, uncertainty continues to surround one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.
