The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has seemingly made a U-turn on its earlier stance, confirming that Pakistan will play India in their scheduled T20 World Cup clash on February 15 in Colombo, according to a News18 report. The decision came after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held consultations with key stakeholders, including the country’s establishment. The high-voltage encounter will go ahead as planned at the Premadasa Stadium.
According to top sources, Pakistan agreed to take the field against India following special requests from Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, the UAE Cricket Board, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It is also understood that Prime Minister Sharif is holding further discussions with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to finalise related matters.
Sources within the Prime Minister’s Office have confirmed that the PCB has received assurances from the ICC regarding some of the concerns it had raised earlier. Naqvi had reportedly placed multiple demands before the ICC, including the resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket and the organisation of a tri-series involving Bangladesh, aimed at compensating the BCB for financial losses following Bangladesh’s early exit from the tournament.
While the ICC made it clear that bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan does not fall under its jurisdiction, the proposal for a tri-series was also rejected. India have not participated in a tri-nation tournament for over a decade. However, the ICC is understood to be considering Bangladesh as a potential host for the next ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup.
Earlier, Naqvi had indicated that a final decision on the India match would be taken after further discussions with the ICC. He confirmed that talks also involved BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul and said the PCB was awaiting formal responses on the issues raised.
“We have had discussions with them. It would not be right for me to make any comments right now. Once we get their response, we will decide. We will go back to the Prime Minister for advice once the ICC replies,” Naqvi had told PTI.
He had also stated that an official announcement would be made within 24 to 48 hours and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s position during the negotiations. Dismissing concerns over possible sanctions, Naqvi had asserted that Pakistan was not intimidated by any external pressure.
With the latest developments, the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is now set to go ahead, bringing relief to fans and organisers alike.
