LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reiterated its firm stance that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, sources have confirmed.
However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will take a final decision for which PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was about to meet him today. Sources said Pakistan may decide to play the Feb 15th match with India with some conditions.
According to reports, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja held a meeting with PCB officials here during which the board clearly conveyed that it will not participate in the February 15 match against India.
Sources said the decision to not play the match has been taken by the government of Pakistan, and the PCB has informed the ICC that the final call rests with the government.
The PCB reportedly presented its position unambiguously before Imran Khawaja, who assured that Pakistan’s stance would be placed before the ICC Board members. Emirates Cricket Board official Mubashir Usmani also joined the discussions virtually.
Sources added that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and the Emirates Cricket Board requested Pakistan to reconsider its decision. If required, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to discuss the matter.
Pakistan is also expected to put forward a condition regarding an increase in its annual revenue during discussions with the ICC delegation.
Sources clarified that the PCB did not invite the ICC delegation to Pakistan; rather, the delegation decided on its own to visit. The PCB also dismissed reports circulating in Indian media claiming that Pakistan had invited the ICC delegation, terming them false.
Additionally, sources indicated that Pakistan may set conditions regarding players shaking hands during any match against India.
Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Naqvi welcomed the BCB president, and both sides discussed matters related to cricket.
Aminul Islam thanked Pakistan for its support. PSL CEO Salman Naseer and Adviser to the PCB Chairman Aamer Mir were also present at the meeting.
