‘Talks ongoing between ICC and Bangladesh,’ Mohsin Naqvi says on T20 World Cup issue | The Express Tribune

Pakistan will go ahead with participating in their high-stakes February 15 clash against India in the T20 World Cup, after the government gave the nod on Monday to “protect the spirit of cricket” following much drama and debate over the matter.

In a statement issued today on X by the government, it said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was formally briefed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the board, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” it said.

The statement said the decision was taken with the aim of “protecting the spirit of cricket and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations”.

It added that the prime minister and the people extended their best wishes to the cricket team for its encounter.

“We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory,” the statement said.

It said the government reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the BCB, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations.

The statement said the correspondences had “sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges”.

“The government further noted the statement by BCB President Aminul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.

“This evening, the prime minister held a telephone call with Anura Kumara Dissanayake, president of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan president requested the prime minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse,” the statement said.

Reacting to the development, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said: “The game is on!” while praising the premier’s “great decision” and the PCB chief’s “great diplomacy”.

The Sri Lanka president also welcomed the announcement.

Earlier, state broadcaster Pakistan TV had confirmed the same, saying: “Pakistan has agreed to play the T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, following requests from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, with India accepting Pakistan’s preconditions.”

The outlet’s head said that a senior government official had confirmed the development to it.

The World Cup, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups, began on Saturday. Pakistan opened its campaign with a victory over the Netherlands in a Group A fixture on February 7. Originally, Bangladesh had been included in the slate but requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka after its star player, Mustafizur Rehman, was released from the Indian Premier League following objections from ruling party activists. The ICC declined the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

Pakistan took a principled stand in support of Bangladesh and protested the ICC’s decision, a move that further strained relations with the governing body. The federal government also ordered the team not to play the match against India in Colombo.

Earlier, Naqvi addressed a press conference in Lahore after the auction for the Pakistan Super League’s Multan team.

“The issue was one between the ICC and Bangladesh. We could not allow Bangladesh’s point of view to let go of [unheard]; they are our brothers. Matters are underway and the ICC and Bangladesh board are in that phase where it won’t be appropriate if I say more so I myself am waiting for information from them and then we will tell you,” he said.

Questioned about reports of a restriction or fine on Pakistan for its decision, the PCB chief said: “I am not afraid of a threat, nor the government and you know about the field marshal so that is why there is no issue.”

On reports about Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates trying to mediate in the matter, Naqvi confirmed that several countries, including allied nations, were involved in the matter and briefed on Pakistan’s perspective.

“Let’s see what happens. You will have an idea soon.”

Talking with reporters, he said a decision regarding the India match would be made shortly.

“We are always ready for good news. Bangladesh has requested us to play the match. It goes without saying that once their matters are settled, they are saying this. We had taken a stand for Bangladesh, spoken up for them; we had no issue of our own.”

The decision to go ahead with the match came after the BCB earlier formally requested Pakistan to play their match.

In a statement issued today, the BCB president said: “Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on February 15 against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system.”

The statement expressed gratitude to the PCB, ICC and all involved parties for their “positive roles in trying to overcome recent challenges”.

In particular, the BCB said it wished to express its “profound and heartfelt gratitude” to Naqvi, the board itself and the cricket fans of Pakistan.

“Throughout this period, the PCB has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity,” it said.

The statement quoted Islam as saying: “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.”

Separately, PM Shehbaz also discussed the issue with President Dissanayake.

“‘Pakistani cricket team should play the Pakistan-India match held in Sri Lanka,’ Sri Lankan president’s request to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif,” said a statement from the PM Office.

The president said that Pakistan had fully supported Sri Lankan cricket during the terrorism in the country.

“Pakistan gave priority to its long-standing relations with Sri Lanka above all else and the Pakistani cricket team continued to tour Sri Lanka to play cricket despite the terrorism,” the statement quoted the president as saying.

It added that PM Shehbaz welcomed the sentiments and said, in turn, that Sri Lanka had also provided full support in difficult times in Pakistan and continued to play cricket in the country.

“Recently, the Sri Lankan team took an unforgettable step for the Pakistani nation and cricket fans by not cancelling the tour of Pakistan,” he said.

PM Shehbaz told the Sri Lankan president that he would inform him of the final decision after consultations regarding the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match.

ICC says no sanctions, penalties on Bangladesh

Naqvi held prolonged discussions with Islam and an ICC delegation, including Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday over the Pakistan–India T20 World Cup row.

The ICC issued a statement today on the deliberations and said no sanctions or penalties would be applied to Bangladesh.

“No penalty or sanction for BCB. It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on BC in relation to the current matter.

“It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee, should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact,” the statement said, adding that the ICC’s approach was guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflected the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment.

It added that as part of the above understanding, an agreement was reached that Bangladesh would host an ICC event prior to the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the “usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements”.

The ICC said the agreement reflected “confidence in Bangladesh’s capability as a host and reinforces the ICC’s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the country”.

It said it, the PCB and the BCB, along with other members, remained committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport.

“All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity,” the statement said.

“Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation. Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened. Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions,” the statement quoted ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta as saying.

It said the ICC, PCB and BCB had concluded an “open, constructive and congenial dialogue” that covered several matters.

“While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team’s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCB’s position as a valued full member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game. The ICC also reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country.

“The highlights of the dialogue set out below reflect a forward-looking alignment reached in good faith and are intended to provide clarity on the current position of the stakeholders. They do not alter, qualify or detract from the ICC’s constitutional autonomy, governance framework or established decision-making processes, all of which remain fully applicable,” the statement said.