High-level discussions are underway in Lahore as international cricket bodies move to defuse the growing impasse over Pakistan’s proposed boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Amin ul Islam arrived in the Pakistani capital ahead of a virtual meeting involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), aimed at finding a way out of the deadlock.
Amin, a former Test cricketer, held talks with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and is expected to participate in negotiations focused on persuading Pakistan to reconsider its decision to skip the marquee February 15 clash.
While the PCB has publicly maintained silence on the government’s reported directive to boycott the match, sources indicate growing international pressure to reverse the stance.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has reportedly intervened, with its president Shammi Silva writing to Mohsin Naqvi urging Pakistan to play the India fixture.
ICC CEO Sang Gupta is also understood to have discussed the issue in Colombo, reinforcing calls for resolution.
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The ICC has already sought a formal explanation from Pakistan over its attempt to invoke the ‘Force Majeure’ clause to justify withdrawal from the match, after the PCB cited government instructions.
However, officials now suggest there is renewed optimism, with the PCB engaging the ICC for structured deliberations.
An ICC director said efforts are being made to find a solution that protects the integrity of the tournament, adding that the governing body believes the high-profile contest will eventually go ahead in the larger interest of the sport.
Pakistan’s boycott decision was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland in the tournament after refusing to travel to India for World Cup matches citing security concerns.
As Report
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