Following Pakistan’s announcement of a boycott of its T20 World Cup clash against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has moved swiftly to resolve the impasse. In a bid to persuade Pakistan to reconsider, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja travelled to Pakistan yesterday, holding discussions with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam.
The talks, which reportedly lasted over five hours on Sunday night, yielded three conditions proposed by Pakistan for reconsidering its boycott of the India match, according to Telecom Asia Sport. Indian media, citing the same source, reported the conditions slightly differently.
Pakistani media confirmed the ICC–PCB–BCB meeting but did not clearly state whether Pakistan officially issued conditions. Geo News reported that the PCB Chairman is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif within the next day or two to finalise the government’s position on the India match. The final decision regarding the match scheduled for 15 February is expected shortly thereafter.
According to India’s Hindustan Times, citing Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB has submitted the following three conditions to the ICC to reconsider the boycott:
Increased Revenue Share: Pakistan seeks a larger share of ICC earnings from the tournament than it currently receives.
Resumption of Bilateral Series with India: Since 2013, Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket series, largely due to India’s reluctance. Pakistan aims to revive these series.
Code of Conduct: Pakistan has expressed concerns over player behaviour, recalling that during the 2025 Asia Cup, Indian players did not engage in customary handshakes with Pakistani players. PCB wants assurance of improved on-field conduct.
A Telecom Asia Sport source commented, “The PCB Chairman outlined conditions to the ICC, including increased annual allocations, resumption of bilateral series with India, and a return to traditional gestures such as handshakes during matches.”
Meanwhile, NDTV reported that from Pakistan’s perspective, three additional conditions were Bangladesh-focused, aimed at ICC compliance following the T20 World Cup controversy:
Compensation to Bangladesh for disruptions caused by the relocation of matches.
Participation Fees for Bangladesh’s involvement in the T20 World Cup.
Future Hosting Rights for ICC tournaments.
Bangladesh had requested the ICC to relocate World Cup matches from Sri Lanka, but the ICC denied the request and excluded Bangladesh from some fixtures. Pakistan’s government’s subsequent boycott announcement prompted ICC engagement to prevent disruption of the tournament schedule.
| Pakistan’s Reported Conditions | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial | Increase Pakistan’s share of ICC earnings from T20 World Cup |
| Bilateral Series | Resume India–Pakistan bilateral cricket series (post-2013 hiatus) |
| Conduct | Ensure customary sportsmanship gestures, including handshakes |
| Bangladesh-Focused | Compensate Bangladesh, pay participation fees, secure future ICC hosting rights |
The outcome of these discussions will be closely monitored, as it has implications for both diplomatic relations and the integrity of ICC tournament scheduling.