The Pakistan Cricket Board is ready to reverse its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, but has placed three conditions before the International Cricket Council. The PCB and ICC held a high-level meeting in Lahore on Sunday, February 8, just a week before Pakistan’s group stage clash against India. The meeting was called after the ICC asked Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott one of the most financially lucrative matches in world sport.
Cricbuzz reported that the PCB has made three demands to the ICC if it is to reverse its stance on India’s boycott of the global tournament. Among other conditions, Pakistan has reportedly asked for a greater share of revenue generated by the ICC.
Three demands made by Pakistan to the ICC
- Increased share of ICC revenue
- Resumption of bilateral cricket with India
- Enforcing the handshake protocol
The controversy began when the Pakistani government publicly announced that it would not allow the team to play India in the T20 World Cup, despite the match being scheduled at a neutral venue. The Shehbaz Sharif-led government has not clearly explained the reasons for boycotting their arch-rivals.
The prevailing assumption in the cricketing world was that Pakistan’s stance was an act of solidarity with Bangladesh, which withdrew from the tournament after the ICC rejected BCB’s request to move their matches from India on security grounds.
The ICC subsequently attempted to negotiate with Pakistan and held a high-level meeting with PCB officials. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta joined the discussions via Zoom while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC Vice Chairman Imran Khwaja and Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam Bulbul were present in Lahore.
Cricbuzz further reported that Bangladesh may also seek compensation from the ICC, a settlement that Pakistan is expected to help broker as part of ongoing negotiations.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 9, 2026