ICC Rejects PCB’s Demands as Pakistan Considers Boycotting India Matches: Report

ICC Has Limited Options for Bangladesh, Not What PCB Sought

The International Cricket Council may have a solution for Bangladesh Cricket Board, but it falls short of the demands raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board, according to reports.

With tensions continuing over Pakistan’s threat to boycott its high-profile T20 World Cup match against India, a three-way meeting involving the PCB, ICC and BCB was held in Lahore on Sunday evening in an attempt to break the deadlock. As per a report by Telecom Asia, the PCB reiterated three key demands during the discussions: the resumption of India–Pakistan bilateral cricket, an increase in Pakistan’s revenue share, and assurances that incidents such as the recent no-handshake controversy would not be repeated.

However, a separate report by Dawn revealed that the PCB also raised an additional concern regarding Bangladesh, seeking financial compensation for the team following its early exit from the T20 World Cup. The meeting reportedly covered topics such as enhanced compensation for Bangladesh, a participation fee despite elimination, and Pakistan’s hosting rights for future ICC events.

While the ICC is yet to issue a formal response on most of these matters, it reportedly clarified its position on Bangladesh. According to Dawn, the ICC stated that it had “nothing to offer to Bangladesh as compensation” beyond ensuring the board receives its full share of ICC revenue.

The report further noted that ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja advised the PCB to pursue the issue either through the ICC’s arbitration mechanism or by formally raising it at an ICC board meeting. He also urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance on boycotting the India match, warning that prolonged uncertainty was not in the best interest of the sport.

PCB Raises Broader Concerns

During the meeting, the PCB is said to have voiced concerns over what it perceives as increasing politicisation within ICC decision-making. Sources quoted by Dawn indicated that the PCB expressed dissatisfaction with the growing influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in shaping key outcomes at the ICC level.

A PCB insider reportedly claimed that Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match was primarily driven by opposition to what it described as a “biased decision” by the ICC in relation to Bangladesh. “The government of Pakistan wanted to show solidarity with Bangladesh, and as a form of protest, the national team was restricted from playing the match scheduled for February 15,” the source said.

The ICC, meanwhile, remains hopeful that Pakistan will consider the long-term implications of its position, noting that any fallout could impact not only Pakistan cricket but also the wider global cricket ecosystem.

The meeting was attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam, ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja, and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani. No joint statement was released following the four-hour discussion, with sources suggesting that any official announcement would come only after approval from the Pakistan government.