Pakistan–India match decision expected in next 24 to 48 hours

WEB DESK: A breakthrough on the Pakistan–India match is expected within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to sources familiar with the discussions, as stakeholders move closer to a mutually acceptable formula.

Sources said several proposals are currently being reviewed to address concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board over its treatment in the broader scheduling and participation framework. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been actively performing the role of an intermediary, maintaining contacts between the concerned parties to help bridge differences.

ICC official Imran Khawaja has reportedly departed to seek final approval for the proposed suggestions, after which formal communication between the ICC and the respective cricket boards is expected to resume. Meanwhile, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board is also set to brief his government on the developments.

Once consensus is reached on the proposed demands and a formula is agreed upon, sources said the PCB will approach the government for further guidance and approval, paving the way for a final decision on the matter.

India will travel to Colombo for scheduled Pakistan game: Suryakumar

India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed last week that the Indian men’s T20 team will travel to Colombo for its scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, despite Pakistan’s announcement that it will boycott the fixture. The highly anticipated Group-stage clash is set to take place on February 15 and is considered one of the marquee contests of the tournament.

Speaking at the captains’ pre-tournament press conference in Mumbai, Suryakumar said India would strictly follow the tournament schedule and adhere to all ICC regulations. He stated that the team’s travel plans remain unchanged and that India’s flight to Sri Lanka has already been booked. According to the Indian captain, the squad will proceed with its preparations and report to Colombo as scheduled.

Pakistan earlier stated that the national team will not play against India, a decision that has introduced uncertainty into the tournament’s group-stage structure and raised concerns within the ICC. However, Indian officials have reiterated that India will fulfil all formal requirements associated with the fixture.

Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the Indian team will arrive in Colombo on February 15, participate in the scheduled training session, attend the pre-match press conference and report to the stadium at the designated time. Under ICC rules, India must be present at the venue for the match referee to officially declare an abandonment or forfeit if Pakistan fail to take the field.

Reports indicate that if Pakistan do not appear for the match, India could be awarded two points. The match referee would formally call off the contest if Pakistan are absent at the scheduled start time, making India eligible for the points under ICC regulations.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup began on February 7. Pakistan have been placed in a group with India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the United States. The India–Pakistan fixture was widely expected to be the biggest match of the group stage and a major attraction of the tournament.