PCB Awaits PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Call on India Match
With the India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup just days away, uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan’s participation. The marquee match is scheduled to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, questions remain over whether Pakistan will take the field. To resolve the impasse, the International Cricket Council (ICC) sent a two-member delegation to Lahore on Sunday to hold talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
ICC Delegation Meets Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore
The ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani, met Naqvi at the Gaddafi Stadium. Sources said both sides showed willingness to find common ground. The discussions encouraged Naqvi to review the situation and consult the government. As a result, he is now preparing to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to brief him on the talks and explore possible solutions.
Government Approval Key to Final Decision
According to sources, the PCB cannot make the final decision independently. Any move to play against India requires approval from the Pakistani government. Officials confirmed that a final call is expected within the next 24 to 48 hours. Earlier this month, the government announced that Pakistan would not play India in the tournament. The stance was later reaffirmed by Prime Minister Sharif. Therefore, the upcoming meeting between Naqvi and the Prime Minister is seen as crucial for breaking the deadlock.
ICC Warns Against Boycott, Revenue Talks Held
The Lahore meeting was also attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam, highlighting the regional impact of the issue. During the discussions, the PCB and BCB raised several demands, including higher revenue shares and the revival of bilateral cricket with India. However, ICC officials reportedly warned that a continued boycott is unsustainable and harmful to the sport. With commercial interests, fan expectations, and diplomatic concerns at stake, the next two days are expected to shape Pakistan’s final stance on the high-profile encounter.
