Pakistan Sets Three Conditions Before ICC to Consider Playing India in T20 World Cup – Report
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly put forward three key demands to the International Cricket Council (ICC) before it will approach its government to reconsider the decision against playing the scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, according to Cricbuzz. PCB officials, accompanied by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul, held talks with an ICC delegation in Lahore on Sunday in an effort to find a resolution, with particular emphasis on ensuring the India-Pakistan encounter proceeds as planned. Among its conditions, Pakistan has allegedly requested a greater portion of ICC-generated revenue.
‘Pakistan’s Three Conditions Presented to ICC’
- Enhanced share in ICC revenue
- Revival of bilateral cricket with India
- Implementation of the handshake protocol
The dispute arose when Pakistan’s government publicly declared it would not permit the national team to face India at the T20 World Cup, despite the fixture being set at a neutral location. The government under Shehbaz Sharif did not provide explicit reasons for the decision to boycott their traditional rivals.
The widely held view within cricket circles was that Pakistan’s position reflected support for Bangladesh, who withdrew from the tournament after the ICC turned down the BCB’s appeal to relocate their matches from India due to security apprehensions.
The ICC then sought to engage with Pakistan through dialogue and organized a senior-level meeting with PCB representatives. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta participated in the discussions remotely via Zoom, while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul attended in person in Lahore.
What’s Behind These ‘Conditions’?
Through its three reported conditions, the Pakistan Cricket Board seems to be leveraging pressure on the ICC. The PCB appears to believe the global body stands to lose a substantial amount of broadcasting revenue should the India-Pakistan match not take place, and that this bargaining power might compel the ICC to accept its conditions.
Pakistan currently ranks as the fourth-largest recipient of ICC revenue distributions. The PCB is allocated 5.75 per cent of total ICC-generated revenue. Based on 2023 data, Pakistan receives USD 34.51 million per year from the ICC, resources that are vital for supporting the nation’s cricket infrastructure. Just three boards receive more than the PCB: Cricket Australia (USD 128 million), the England and Wales Cricket Board (USD 139 million), and the BCCI (USD 293 million).
Also Read: Pakistan To Announce Final Decision On India Match Boycott After Crucial ICC Talks
The PCB’s second condition concerns the resumption of bilateral cricket with India, according to Cricbuzz. It is uncertain why this demand has been directed at the ICC, given that decisions regarding bilateral series rest entirely with the governments of both nations. The ICC can, at most, serve as a facilitator and lacks the power to mandate bilateral fixtures.
The third and concluding condition relates to enforcing a handshake protocol. This stems from India declining to engage with Pakistan during last year’s Asia Cup. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India adopted a firm position by refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players and support staff, referencing the wider circumstances of cross-border terrorism and the national mood prevailing then.
Cricbuzz additionally reported that Bangladesh may also pursue compensation from the ICC, an arrangement that Pakistan is anticipated to help negotiate as part of the continuing discussions.