Pakistan, Feb 09 : Pakistan has signalled a possible rethink of its proposed boycott of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture against India, but only if key demands are addressed by the International Cricket Council, according to a report by Telecom Asia Sport.
The report said senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials held discussions in Lahore with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani. During the meeting, the ICC delegation reportedly cautioned that failure to honour the Members Participation Agreement mandating participation in ICC tournaments could invite sanctions and financial consequences.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is said to have outlined a set of conditions, including enhanced annual financial allocations, efforts to facilitate the resumption of bilateral cricket with India, and clarity on protocols governing player interactions during high-profile India–Pakistan encounters. ICC officials reportedly assured the PCB that these points would be presented before the ICC Board at its forthcoming meeting.
Bangladesh has also entered the conversation, seeking a larger financial share and the right to host a major global event, with the 2028 Under-19 World Cup cited as a likely target. Sources quoted in the report indicated that Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam travelled to Lahore to confer with Naqvi as both boards explore coordinated positions amid potential ICC action.
The report added that Naqvi informed ICC representatives that the ultimate call on Pakistan’s participation would rest with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a decision possible as early as Monday. Despite ongoing talks, Pakistani media outlets have suggested that the official boycott position remains unchanged for now.
Behind-the-scenes engagement by senior ICC figures has reportedly helped reopen dialogue, with the coming days expected to be decisive in shaping Pakistan’s final stance and the governing body’s response.