PCB puts forth 3 key conditions at ICC late-night meeting over India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match

The standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Pakistan’s refusal to play against India in the T20 World Cup match may soon be over, with a final decision expected anytime.

On Sunday, a two-member ICC delegation—comprising ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani—arrived in Pakistan to hold talks with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The discussions focused on Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match scheduled for February 15 at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB placed three key conditions before the ICC to reconsider its stance. These include an increase in Pakistan’s annual ICC funding, support from the ICC to help revive bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan, and a commitment from players to uphold on-field ethics, including customary handshakes during India-Pakistan matches.

Naqvi also raised the “no-handshake” controversy from the Asia Cup, stressing the importance of maintaining sporting traditions.

Pakistan’s boycott decision was announced on February 1—just two weeks before the tournament—by the Pakistan government. The move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were forced out of the tournament after refusing to travel to India.

The emergency meeting was also attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam, who arrived in Lahore via Karachi on Sunday morning. Bangladesh, too, presented its demands to the ICC. According to the report, the BCB has sought monetary compensation and hosting rights for a future ICC event, possibly the Under-19 World Cup in 2028.

ICC officials reportedly assured both Pakistan and Bangladesh that their demands would be placed before the ICC Board for consideration.

Despite the ongoing talks, the final decision on whether Pakistan will play against India rests with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as the boycott was a government decision.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister—is expected to meet the Prime Minister in the next 24 to 48 hours. A final verdict is likely in the coming days.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket had also urged the PCB to reconsider its decision, reminding Pakistan of Sri Lanka’s past support.