DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested Pakistan on Monday to proceed with its high-profile T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15.
Background: World Cup and Group Stage Developments
The ICC T20 World Cup, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups, began on Saturday. Pakistan started its campaign with a win over the Netherlands in a Group A match on February 7.
Bangladesh was originally part of the tournament lineup but asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka. The request followed the release of star pacer Mustafeezur Rehman from the Indian Premier League after objections raised by ruling party activists. The ICC rejected the request and subsequently replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.
Pakistan’s Protest and Government Intervention
Pakistan took a principled stand in support of Bangladesh and protested the ICC’s decision, a move that further strained relations between the PCB and the governing body. The federal government later directed the Pakistan team not to play the scheduled match against India in Colombo.
High-Level Talks at Gaddafi Stadium
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held extended discussions on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium with BCB President Aminul Islam and an ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja. The talks focused on resolving the Pakistan–India T20 World Cup dispute.
The ICC is expected to convey its response to Pakistan’s conditions and proposals within the next few days. In the next phase, Naqvi will brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reiterating that the final decision rests with the Government of Pakistan.
BCB’s Official Appeal
In a statement issued on Monday, BCB President Aminul Islam 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 ecosystem.”
Gratitude to PCB and Pakistan Fans
The statement expressed appreciation for the “positive roles” played by the PCB, the ICC, and all stakeholders in addressing the recent challenges. The BCB also conveyed its “profound and heartfelt gratitude” to Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB, and cricket fans in Pakistan for their support.
