‘Secret’ PCB-BCB and ICC Meeting in Lahore May Resolve India-Pakistan World Cup Row

Pakistan: A meeting of senior officials of ICC, PCB and BCB was held in Lahore on Sunday. This meeting lasted for more than five hours in Gaddafi Stadium. The real reason was that Pakistan had announced it would boycott the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match to be held in Colombo on 15 February.

What happened in the conversation?

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC Vice President Imran Khawaja spoke openly on the tension surrounding the India-Pak match. BCB Chairman Aminul Islam was also present, meaning Bangladesh is also involved in this matter. Pakistan had earlier said that this is the government's decision – it will not play the match to stand with Bangladesh.

Had Pakistan really refused?

Earlier the PCB had clearly said that the match would not be played. But after the meeting it seems that his attitude has relaxed a bit. The ICC explained to them that if the match did not take place, the entire tournament would suffer a huge loss – both in terms of money and the organization.

Is any solution emerging?

ICC said that boycott will have a very bad impact on cricket. Mohsin Naqvi is now going to meet Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif in the next few days. The final decision will come after that. Some people say that PCB has also put some conditions to ICC – like compensation to Bangladesh, more revenue and talks on further bilateral series.

When will the final decision come?

According to sources, the decision will be clear in the next 24 to 48 hours. Talks are still going on between ICC and PCB. If Pakistan does not agree, ICC may have to take strict action - impose sanctions or the matter will go to arbitration. But right now it seems that the chances of the match happening are high.

What is the Indian team doing?

The Indian team is fully engaged in preparations in Colombo. They are ready to play the match as per their schedule. ICC rules say that the decision of the board will be considered final. The team is not taking any risk, just practicing and planning normally.

This whole matter is very stressful for the fans. India-Pak match is the biggest match of cricket, so ICC is trying its best to save it. Now just waiting to see what happens in the next day or two. Hopefully the match takes place and viewers get to see that tremendous contest.