The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The high-profile clash is scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.
The PCB has taken this step to show support for Bangladesh, who were recently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.
PCB’s demands to the ICC
Sports Tak understands that the PCB has placed several demands before the ICC in an effort to reconsider its decision to boycott the match.
One of Pakistan’s key demands is that Bangladesh should continue to receive its share of ICC revenue. However, the ICC has already decided not to penalise Bangladesh on its own.
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The PCB has also asked the ICC to allot Bangladesh a compensatory ICC event, pointing out that last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup was moved from Bangladesh to Dubai due to civil unrest. There is a possibility that Bangladesh could be awarded the next Under-19 World Cup as compensation.
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ICC turns down PCB’s requests
Pakistan further urged the ICC to help revive bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan and also proposed a tri-series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The ICC rejected these requests, stating that such matters do not fall under its authority, including within the World Test Championship framework.
The PCB also demanded that India tour Bangladesh later this year. It may be recalled that the BCCI postponed India’s Bangladesh tour indefinitely, but the ICC again maintained that it cannot intervene in bilateral series decisions.
Decision expected soon
The ICC has given the PCB a day to make its final call. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said he wants to consult Pakistan’s Prime Minister before making a decision. The meeting is expected to take place shortly, with an official announcement from the ICC likely by this evening or tomorrow morning.