With just days remaining before the highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, uncertainty continues over whether Pakistan will take the field at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. The decision now rests in the hands of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
On Sunday, a two-member ICC delegation, including Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani, visited Lahore to engage with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. The meeting aimed to resolve the impasse after the Government of Pakistan had previously announced the team would not play against India. Sources familiar with the talks say the discussions were constructive, with both sides expressing willingness to listen to each other’s concerns.
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to brief him on the ICC delegation’s visit. Sources indicate that a final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the India match could be announced within the next 24-48 hours. “The PCB chairman is expected to meet the Prime Minister on Monday, and a final decision should follow within the next two days. The final call depends entirely on the Government,” a source confirmed.
Government Approval Remains Crucial
Earlier, the Government of Pakistan made its position clear on February 1 via its official X account, stating that the team would not take the field against India. Prime Minister Sharif later reinforced this stance during a cabinet meeting. Even if the PCB wishes to play, it cannot override the government’s decision, making Monday’s meeting pivotal.
ICC-PCB-BCB Talks in Lahore
The Lahore meeting at Gaddafi Stadium also included Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Aminul Islam, whose presence was significant. Pakistan’s withdrawal from the India game followed the BCB’s earlier refusal to tour India due to security concerns, resulting in the Bangla Tigers’ exit from the World Cup.
During the session, both PCB and BCB raised several demands, including revenue considerations and the potential resumption of bilateral cricket ties with India. The ICC delegation emphasized that the boycott stance is unsustainable and detrimental to the sport. While the PCB put forward multiple requests, the outcome remains uncertain.
As cricket fans worldwide await clarity, all eyes are now on Monday’s meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which could finally determine whether Pakistan will face India in one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures.