Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today to discuss Pakistan’s decision on playing against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
According to sources, Naqvi will brief the Prime Minister on discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The meeting aims to take into account the ICC’s proposals and Bangladesh’s security concerns before making a final decision.
The viewpoint of the Bangladesh Cricket Board and PCB will also be presented to the Prime Minister, ensuring that all diplomatic and sporting considerations are reviewed.
ICC-BCB talks conclude in Lahore
Earlier, the ICC, PCB, and BCB held a five-hour meeting in Lahore. Sources indicate that the ICC responded positively to several demands raised by Bangladesh, and a mutual formula was prepared to address grievances regarding on-field abuses.
ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and BCB President Aminul Islam left for final approval of the proposals with their respective governments. The ICC and BCB are expected to reconvene this afternoon to finalize the agreement.
Background
Bangladesh had raised security concerns about participating in the ongoing T20 World Cup in India, requesting a venue change. The ICC rejected this request, prompting Bangladesh to withdraw in protest.
In response, Pakistan announced a boycott of its match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, calling the ICC’s move “double standards,” which sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
