Pakistan could still play India in the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup if the conditions set by the country are accepted, with the final decision resting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to reports on Monday.
However, the reports still remain contradictory, with fans eagerly waiting all around the world for a final decision.
Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup match
According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the final call on the Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup 2026 match will come from the prime minister, and any progress will need government approval.
Senior ICC officials held nearly four hours of talks with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday night in Lahore, with discussions continuing late.
ICC Vice Chairman Imran Khawaja, who came to Lahore on an emergency visit, led the talks and met Naqvi at Gaddafi Stadium.
PCB, BCB, ICC meeting
According to media sources, the inside story of the meeting between the PCB, the ICC, and the BCB has come to light.
The discussion covered cricket politics in the region, financial matters, and future events, reports suggest.
According to media reports, one key point raised in the meeting was that if the Bangladesh Cricket Board can be convinced, the PCB could also agree on certain matters.
The media reports said that PCB asked the ICC to give BCB a fair share of ICC revenue to make sure of balance and financial stability in regional cricket.
PCB officials said that Bangladesh is an important cricketing nation in Asia, and its financial rights should not be ignored.
The meeting also included a request for the ICC to guarantee that India will tour Bangladesh in September, as this series is very important for Bangladeshi cricket.
At the same time, discussions were held about extending the hybrid model between PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) until the 2031 World Cup. Which was seen as important for the continuity of cricket in the region.
Sources said that the decision regarding the Pakistan-India match will consider not only cricket but also diplomatic and security issues.
This decision could also affect the global cricket schedule and the popularity of the World Cup.
‘Pak won’t play against Ind in T20 World Cup’: PM
Prior to this, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will not play against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, while addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad.
He added that Pakistan expresses full solidarity with Bangladesh. He further added that Pakistan has taken a clear and firm stance on the issue.
Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said that Pakistan stands with Bangladesh and supports its position. He added that sports should remain free from politics.
“We will not play against India in the T20 World Cup and fully stand in solidarity with Bangladesh,” PM Shehbaz said during his address.
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