T20 World Cup: Mohsin Naqvi to consult PM Shehbaz as ICC pushes for Pakistan-India match
Cricket
The ICC is actively trying to persuade Pakistan to agree to play India in the tournament
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding Pakistan’s participation in the match against India at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the request of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The ICC is actively trying to persuade Pakistan to agree to play India in the tournament.
In this connection, talks are currently underway in Lahore between ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The discussions are also being attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam.
Sources said that during the meeting, the PCB chairman focused on addressing what he described as unfair treatment toward Bangladesh.
Mohsin Naqvi clearly conveyed to Imran Khawaja that the decision not to play against India is a policy matter of the Government of Pakistan, and that the final authority to approve or cancel the match rests solely with the government.
During the talks, BCB President Aminul Islam thanked Pakistan for expressing solidarity and support for Bangladesh’s position.
Also Read: ICC, BCB delegations arrive in Lahore for talks over T20 World Cup dispute
According to sources, Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif within the next one or two days, during which a final decision regarding the Pakistan-India match is likely to be taken.
Pakistan had earlier announced its decision not to play against India in the World Cup as a show of support for Bangladesh, which had requested that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
Officials have warned that if the Pakistan-India fixture does not take place, the ICC could face significant financial losses.
In this context, Sri Lanka has also urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance, citing potential financial implications for itself as well.
Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board has formally approached the PCB, requesting Pakistan to review its decision.
The ECB has specifically urged Pakistan to reconsider its February 15 decision to opt out of the match against India, stressing the broader commercial impact on the tournament.
