2 min read
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam at Gaddafi Stadium to discuss the ongoing crisis in international cricket.
The meeting follows extensive back channel talks by ICC directors Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani, who have been engaged since Naqvi publicly questioned Pakistan’s national team participation in the match.
The visit of the BCB head reflects Pakistan’s continued solidarity following Bangladesh’s removal from the T20 World Cup, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cited as a factor in the boycott decision.
During the meeting, Aminul Islam also expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the PCB for their support during Bangladesh’s difficult time.
Meanwhile, a separate meeting between ICC and PCB officials is underway at Gaddafi Stadium to discuss Pakistan’s boycotted T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.
Sources indicate that both sides are likely to announce the outcome only after receiving approval and endorsement from the Government of Pakistan regarding the dispute.
لاہور۔ آئی سی سی کے ڈپٹی چیئرمین عمران خواجہ کی لاہور آمد
لاہور ائرپورٹ پر ایڈوائزر ٹو چئیرمین پی سی بی عامر میر نے عمران خواجہ کا استقبال کیا
آئی سی سی کے ڈپٹی چئیرمین عمران خواجہ چئیرمین پی سی بی محسن نقوی سے ملاقات کریں گے pic.twitter.com/Y38T0aZIn4
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) February 8, 2026
The mega event has been overshadowed by political tensions after Bangladesh, citing security concerns, refused to play in India and were replaced by Scotland for their scheduled matches.
Bangladesh remained firm in their decision after the ICC rejected their request to move matches to Sri Lanka, citing logistical challenges and adherence to the original tournament schedule.
Pakistan initially approved its cricket team’s participation but announced it would boycott its match against archrivals India in Colombo, citing solidarity with Bangladesh.
Even before official communication from the PCB, the ICC stated that selective participation undermines the principles of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams are expected to compete equally.
The ICC also urged Pakistan to consider the long-term implications of its stance on cricket domestically and globally, emphasizing that the T20 World Cup’s success depends on cooperation from all member boards.
