Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has laid down three firm conditions before the International Cricket Council (ICC) as talks continue over Pakistan’s participation in the much-anticipated India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15.
Senior PCB officials held discussions with an ICC delegation in Lahore on Sunday in an attempt to find a middle ground. The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam Bulbul, as stakeholders explored options to ensure the marquee fixture goes ahead as per schedule.
The Three Conditions Put Forward by PCB
According to sources, the PCB has made it clear that it will approach the Pakistan government to reconsider its stance only if the ICC addresses the following demands:
- A higher share of ICC revenue, with the PCB arguing that Pakistan’s participation, particularly in India–Pakistan matches, plays a major role in global broadcast viewership and commercial earnings.
- A roadmap for resumption of bilateral cricket with India, seeking clarity on the future of cricketing ties between the two nations beyond ICC tournaments.
- Strict enforcement of on-field sportsmanship protocols, including adherence to pre-match and post-match formalities, to ensure uniform treatment of all teams during ICC events.
PCB officials conveyed that without tangible progress on these points, reversing the decision on the February 15 match would be difficult.
Why the Standoff Matters
The India–Pakistan clash is widely regarded as the biggest fixture in world cricket, drawing massive global audiences and forming a critical part of ICC tournament revenues. Any disruption to the match would have significant sporting, commercial, and broadcast implications.
While bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has remained suspended for years due to political tensions, the two teams have continued to face each other in ICC events. However, off-field developments and diplomatic sensitivities have repeatedly threatened to spill over into tournament schedules.
ICC’s Role and What’s Next
The ICC is understood to be keen on preventing a last-minute crisis and has been actively engaging with member boards to keep the tournament intact. No official statement was issued after the Lahore meeting, but discussions are expected to continue in the coming days.
The PCB, meanwhile, has maintained that it is not shutting the door on dialogue, but any final decision will depend on both the ICC’s response and consultations with the Pakistani government.
With the countdown to the T20 World Cup underway, the future of cricket’s fiercest rivalry now rests on diplomacy off the field as much as performance on it.
