Pakistan, Bangladesh seek higher revenue in ICC talks; India-match boycott decision due Monday: Report

Pakistan has indicated it may reconsider its decision to boycott its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India, but only after seeking major concessions from the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to a report by Telecom Asia Sport on Sunday.

The report said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials held high-level talks with ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani in Lahore, where the ICC delegation warned of sanctions and financial penalties if Pakistan failed to comply with the Members Participation Agreement, which obligates teams to participate in all ICC events.

Advertisement

During the meeting, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly presented a list of demands, including increased annual funding, pressure on the BCCI and the Indian government to revive bilateral cricket, and assurances regarding player interactions during India-Pakistan matches.

The ICC officials assured the PCB that the demands would be placed before the ICC Board at its next meeting.

Bangladesh has also sought greater financial compensation and hosting rights for a global event, likely the 2028 Under-19 World Cup, according to sources cited in the report.

The final decision on Pakistan’s participation is expected to be taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with Naqvi informing the ICC delegation that he would consult the prime minister, who could decide as early as Monday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam also arrived in Lahore for discussions with Naqvi as both boards look to coordinate their response to possible ICC actions.

The report said Aminul and Naqvi have previously aligned on key regional cricket governance issues, including relocating Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches and regional ACC meetings.

Despite the talks, Pakistani media reports suggested the ICC remains under pressure, with Pakistan still publicly maintaining its boycott stance.

Behind-the-scenes negotiations involving senior ICC powerbrokers have helped bring stakeholders back to the negotiating table, with the next 48 hours seen as crucial in determining Pakistan’s final position and the ICC’s response.