Lahore, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has provided an update on ongoing talks between the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup match against India. Speaking at a press conference following the PSL 11 franchise auction in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized the importance of respecting visiting teams and maintaining diplomatic relations, stating, “When a guest comes, many issues should be set aside.”
Naqvi highlighted that discussions are ongoing at the ICC level, and any formal responses will be shared when received. He stated that Pakistan has approached the situation transparently and that high-level contacts have been made with several friendly cricketing nations to convey Pakistan’s perspective. “We are not afraid of anyone—neither government nor field marshals,” he added, stressing Pakistan’s firm stance in cricket diplomacy.
Sources indicate that the ICC Deputy Chairman recently met Naqvi in Lahore to request Pakistan play the scheduled India match, while Pakistan has already expressed solidarity with Bangladesh by initially refusing to play against India on February 15 due to security concerns. Bangladesh had requested its World Cup matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka over similar safety issues, but the ICC rejected the request and included Scotland in Bangladesh’s place.
Naqvi also mentioned a potential meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which he would brief the premier on ICC discussions and the proposed formula to address concerns with Bangladesh. The PCB Chairman noted that failing to play the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup fixture could result in significant financial losses for the ICC, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Naqvi concluded by emphasizing that cricket decisions are being made with fairness, transparency, and the safety of players in mind, while Pakistan continues to engage in diplomatic channels to resolve the dispute. The cricketing community and fans await the final confirmation on the fixture, which will ultimately be decided by the Prime Minister.
