Officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are set to convene in Lahore. The meetings, scheduled for Sunday, will address Pakistan’s potential boycott of their upcoming T20 World Cup match against India.
Key Participants in Lahore Meeting
The meeting will feature several prominent figures in cricket administration. Important attendees include:
- Imran Khawaja – Deputy Chair of the ICC
- Mubashar Usmani – ICC Executive Committee Member
- Mohsin Naqvi – Chair of the PCB
- Ameenul Islam – President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board
Background of the Boycott Discussion
This meeting follows Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup. Their exit came after the ICC denied their request to relocate matches due to escalating political tensions in India.
Pakistan’s government announced plans to boycott the match against India scheduled for February 15. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the decision aims to show support for Bangladesh amid these political challenges.
Implications of the Boycott
Should Pakistan proceed with the boycott, they would forfeit the match points. This absence could have far-reaching impacts on the competition, particularly since this matchup is regarded as the most lucrative in cricket.
Moreover, a boycott could generate disputes about the ICC’s ongoing rights agreements. The uncertainty surrounding these issues could affect future deals, especially with current television contracts expiring after the 2027 World Cup.
