Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested Pakistan to take part in the T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing by Bangladesh after the latter withdrew from the tournament following the ICC’s refusal to relocate their matches out of India.
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Thereafter, Pakistan’s government announced it would boycott the match against India, refusing to take the field as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh. Aminul, while acknowledging Pakistan’s position, said that considering the interests of the cricket ecosystem, it would be better for Pakistan to play the match on Sunday.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” Aminul said in a statement, released by the BCB.
“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,” Aminul added.
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Aminul was in Lahore, where the BCB president held a meeting with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and Pakistan’s Naqvi, as the sport’s governing body scrambled to contain a crisis threatening the integrity of the tournament schedule. Pakistan had emerged as the only member nation to vote against Bangladesh’s removal from the T20 World Cup, following the BCB’s refusal to travel to India for its matches.
The decision has put one of cricket’s marquee fixtures in jeopardy and raised questions about the influence of politics on sport.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the boycott, calling it “very considered” and intended to show unity with Bangladesh, while stressing that politics should not overshadow sport. His comments underline the government’s backing of the move amid growing concern from the global cricketing community.
WILL PAKISTAN MAKE AN U-TURN?
In the meeting, the Pakistan Cricket Board put forward several demands to the ICC regarding its T20 World Cup boycott of the India match. The ICC rejected three key proposals, including resuming bilateral cricket with India and a tri-series involving Bangladesh and India.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was given a day to consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confirm Pakistan’s stance. While attending the auction of Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans in Rawalpindi on Monday, Naqvi also said the PCB will release an official statement soon regarding the decision to play or skip the match against India.
WILL ICC PUNISH PAKISTAN IF THEY BOYCOTT?
If Pakistan fail to take the field against India on February 15, the match will be forfeited under ICC rules, resulting in an automatic loss of two points and a hit to their net run rate. Under Playing Conditions clause 16.10.7, the defaulting team’s full quota of overs is counted, while the opposition’s net run rate remains unaffected.
Sources had told India Today that the ICC may consider sanctions against Pakistan, including restricting NOCs for overseas players in the PSL, which could lead to significant revenue losses. Pakistan could also risk losing the right to host future ICC tournaments if the situation escalates further.
Relations between the PCB and BCCI have long been strained, particularly after India declined to tour Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and following the Asia Cup 2025, when Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Tensions increased when Bangladesh informed the ICC it would not travel to India over security concerns. Pakistan reportedly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches, but the ICC rejected the request.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are set to face the United States on Monday, February 9, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. They began their campaign with a five-wicket win over the Netherlands on the opening day of the tournament.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
