New Delhi: A decision on the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup is likely on Monday, following a high-level meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore.
The group-stage match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, but uncertainty remains after Pakistan announced a boycott of the fixture. However, sources said the chances of the match going ahead have increased after Sunday’s discussions.
As part of the talks, ICC representatives Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani arrived in Lahore and held detailed deliberations with PCB officials. The India-Pakistan contest is considered the biggest commercial fixture for the ICC and broadcasters due to its massive global viewership.
According to officials, a five-hour meeting was held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, attended by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja, and Aminul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Sources said the ICC is keen to ensure that the February 15 group match is played as scheduled and has conveyed its position to the PCB. It is understood that the final call may rest with Pakistan’s political leadership, with a decision expected within the next 24 hours.
