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The dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the match against India in T20 World Cup 2026 has entered a critical stage, with key discussions held in Lahore.
Indian media reports claim that Pakistan has presented three major conditions to ICC regarding its potential review of the decision to boycott the high profile match against archrivals in the ongoing tournament.
According to the media reports, the first condition asks ICC to increase funding for Bangladesh, recognizing its growing contribution to global cricket and supporting infrastructure, player development, and national team performance.
The second condition reportedly requests financial compensation for Bangladesh despite its exclusion mega event, highlighting that teams invest heavily and deserve basic financial protection regardless of performance or participation.
The third condition requests that Bangladesh be awarded future hosting rights for a major ICC event, citing its current infrastructure, large fan base, and ability to successfully organize international cricket tournaments.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today after consultations with ICC officials, allowing the government to finalize the position of Pakistan on playing the India match.
The controversy intensified last month when ICC removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup after its board refused to play in India, citing security concerns that ICC declared unverified and insufficient.
Following the ICC decision, Scotland was added as a replacement, prompting Pakistan to announce its support for Bangladesh and consider boycotting its scheduled match against India in solidarity with its fellow Asian team.
Meanwhile, Pakistan began its campaign with a hard fought three wickets victory over the Netherlands in Colombo, boosting team confidence and raising anticipation about PCB and government decisions regarding the India fixture.
The Green Shirts are scheduled to play their second match of the marquee event on February 10 against the United States of America (USA) at Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo.
