Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, while talking to the media on Tuesday, said that Bangladesh’s demands were accepted.
He further added that the decision regarding the match against India was not made for personal reasons.
Additionally, he clarified that the move was aimed just to ensure respect and fair treatment for Bangladesh.
He further stated that the objective was to address the concerns raised by the Bangladeshi side.
“Our primary objective was to ensure respect for Bangladesh,” he said.
The PCB chairman further stated that no discussions were held regarding a trilateral or three nation cricket.
Pakistan agrees to play against India
Pakistan will play against India as scheduled in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15, according to reports on Monday.
According to the reports, Pakistan has agreed to play a group match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 following a request from the Sri Lankan president.
Both teams will play their Group A match as per schedule on February 15.
Bangladesh had earlier raised security concerns for its team about participating in the T20 World Cup 2026 being held in India and requested a change of venues, which was rejected by the ICC.
After this, Bangladesh announced its withdrawal from the event in protest.
Instead of negotiating with Bangladesh, the ICC removed Bangladesh from the tournament and included Scotland.
Later, Pakistan called the ICC’s decision a double standard and, in solidarity with Bangladesh, announced a boycott of the match against India, shocking the cricket world.
Following this, the ICC tried to persuade Pakistan, and a meeting lasting more than four hours was held between the ICC Deputy Chairman, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
BCB statement
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in a statement, expressed appreciation to Pakistan.
“The BCB wishes to express its profound and heartfelt gratitude to PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, his Board and the cricket fans of Pakistan. Throughout this period, the PCB has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity,” the statement read.
BCB President Aminul Islam said, “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.”
“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem.”
