ICC, PCB, BCB officials meet to discuss Pakistan’s decision to skip India clash
- BCB president thanks Pakistan for its support
A high-level huddle was held between officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore as the ICC scrambles to save the marquee India-Pakistan clash of the T20 World Cup 2026.
ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul arrived in Lahore on Sunday to hold critical talks with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The meeting comes as Pakistan remains steadfast in its government-backed decision to boycott the February 15 fixture against India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, citing solidarity with Bangladesh after Bangladesh was denied participation in the T20 World Cup for demanding to play matches on neutral venue due to security concerns in India.
Cricket’s most lucrative fixture hangs in the balance as a diplomatic standoff between the PCB and ICC reaches a tipping point. With the T20 World Cup already underway in Sri Lanka and India, the arrival of top ICC and BCB officials in Lahore on Sunday signals an urgent effort to resolve the impasse over Pakistan’s selective boycott.
Aaj News earlier reported that BCB’s Islam is expected to hold separate meetings with senior PCB officials during his brief stay in the metropolis as well. Discussions are likely to focus on the prevailing situation related to the T20 World Cup, along with broader cricket-related matters.
Sources said that talks will also cover bilateral cricket ties, future series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and ways to enhance cooperation between the two cricket boards.
In a meeting with the PCB chief, the BCB president has thanked Pakistan for its support.
On this occasion, Pakistan Super League CEO Salman Naseer and Advisor to Chairman PCB Amir Mir were also present.
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