BCB, ICC delegations hold talks over T20 World Cup; PCB may reconsider India match

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held fresh talks with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and an ICC delegation on Monday over the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with a key focus on the controversial Pakistan-India group match.

Sources said that major developments are expected in the coming hours.

The ICC’s conciliatory delegation, including Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, arrived in Pakistan ahead of the discussions, and was formally received by Naqvi at PCB headquarters in Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

According to sources, the PCB is expected to lay down strict conditions for playing India, including security assurances and financial arrangements.

At the same time, PCB plans to request full financial support for Bangladesh, despite the country being excluded from the tournament, and to discuss hosting ICC events in Bangladesh on merit and equality terms.

Negotiations are also expected to cover revenue-sharing from the Pakistan-India fixture, the revival of bilateral series, and other cricketing matters.

PCB officials will consult the prime minister before making any final decision on the match if ICC agrees to the proposed conditions.

Aminul Islam thanked Pakistan for standing in solidarity after Bangladesh was removed from the T20 World Cup.

Sources said he would return to Dhaka later on Monday after participating in the ICC meeting.

Bangladesh had requested that its T20 World Cup matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns and threats from Hindu extremists.

The ICC, perceived to favour India, rejected the request and subsequently excluded Bangladesh from the tournament, replacing it with Scotland.

In protest, Pakistan expressed full support for Bangladesh and announced a boycott of its February 15 group match against India.

The PCB has emphasized that it will not compromise on security, fairness, or financial equity while considering any possible engagement with India in the tournament.

Sources said that the ICC has tasked Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja with handling the Pakistan-India match issue, and discussions between PCB and ICC are ongoing.