ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and International Cricket Council (ICC) Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja held a meeting in Lahore on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India scheduled for February 15.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam was also present in the meeting held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Local media quoting sources said that the two sides will most likely announce the outcome of the meeting after receiving an endorsement from the Government of Pakistan.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi meets with BCB President Aminul Islam and ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. pic.twitter.com/DmaoJPHNzj
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 8, 2026
ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja arrived in Lahore earlier in the day to meet PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam also arrived separately to take part in a series of meetings.
— Amir Mir (@AmirMirpcb) February 8, 2026
On February 1, the Government of Pakistan decided that the national men’s cricket team would take part in the ongoing tournament but would not play the group-stage match against arch-rivals India scheduled in Colombo on February 15.
Responding before official communication from the PCB, the ICC said that “selective participation” was incompatible with the principles of a global event in which all qualified teams are expected to compete under the agreed schedule.
The ICC urged the PCB to consider the broader and long-term consequences for cricket in Pakistan and the wider global ecosystem, stressing that the successful delivery of the tournament was a shared responsibility of all member boards.
The PCB has cited what it terms a “biased approach” by the ICC, with Bangladesh playing a central role in the ongoing dispute.
Back-channel efforts
Matches between India and Pakistan are among the most lucrative in the sport, generating millions of dollars in broadcast, sponsorship and advertising revenue. The ICC has reportedly begun back-channel efforts to resolve the issue and limit financial losses.
Sri Lanka Cricket has also urged Pakistan to reconsider, warning that a boycott could cause financial damage and harm Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which is still recovering from the 2022 economic crisis.
Pakistan, who beat the Netherlands in their tournament opener on Saturday, stand to lose two points and suffer a major net run-rate setback if they forfeit the match. Captain Salman Agha has said the government would again be consulted should Pakistan meet India in the semi-finals or final.
