India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set three conditions for the International Cricket Council (ICC) if it is to consult its government about reversing its decision not to play its T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, according to the Cricbuzz reports. Among the demands reportedly presented by Pakistan are a larger share of ICC revenue, restoration of bilateral cricket with India, and enforcement of a handshake protocol between players.
According to the reports, PCB officials, along with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul, met an ICC delegation in Lahore on Sunday to explore a solution that would allow the India–Pakistan fixture to go ahead as scheduled. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta joined the discussions via Zoom. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja were present in person.
The controversy began when the Pakistan government announced it would not allow the team to face India, despite the match being scheduled at a neutral venue. Pakistan’s stance came after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament following the ICC’s refusal to move their matches out of India over security concerns.
The PCB is reportedly leveraging the potential financial impact on the ICC if the high-profile India–Pakistan match does not take place. Pakistan currently receives 5.75 per cent of ICC revenue, approximately USD 34.5 million annually, making it the fourth-highest recipient after India, England and Australia.
The ICC can mediate but cannot enforce bilateral series, leaving questions over the second demand unresolved. The handshake protocol demand follows India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players during last year’s Asia Cup after the Pahalgam terror attack. Cricbuzz also reported that Bangladesh may seek compensation from the ICC, with Pakistan expected to play a role in brokering a settlement.
