(Image source from: AP)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made three important requests to resolve its ongoing disagreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC), as reported by NDTV sources. Pakistan previously announced it would not compete in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against its long-time rival India, even after warnings from the ICC about possible repercussions. As per sources, the PCB put forward three requests to resolve the stalemate during a meeting with ICC representatives in Lahore on Sunday: more financial support for Bangladesh, a guarantee of a participation fee for Bangladesh even after its elimination from the T20 World Cup, and the chance to host an ICC event in the future.
More financial support for Bangladesh: Bangladesh wants a larger share of money from the ICC to match its increasing involvement in international cricket. The board claims that better funding is crucial for enhancing infrastructure, growing talent, and improving the national team's performance.
Participation fee despite T20 World Cup elimination: Although Bangladesh did not progress far in the tournament, the board desires the ICC to provide a fixed participation fee. They argue that teams spend significant amounts on preparations and should have basic financial protection, regardless of how well they do in tournaments.
Hosting rights for a future ICC event: Bangladesh is advocating for the chance to host a forthcoming ICC tournament to enhance its cricket industry and global profile. The board believes that the country now possesses both the facilities and fan support needed to effectively host a major international event.
Sources also disclosed that while some PCB officials are willing to participate in the match against India set for February 15 in Colombo, board chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains unsupportive of the idea. Naqvi is expected to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to seek advice once more before a final choice is made. The ICC dropped Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup last month after it declined to go to India, citing safety issues. Although the ICC assured that there was no real threat to the team, the BCB stood firm on its decision, leading the ICC to substitute them with Scotland. Since then, Pakistan has supported Bangladesh. Apart from the ICC meeting, Naqvi and other PCB officials spoke with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul about the situation.
This sudden shift in stance comes after the ICC sought clarification on how the force majeure clause could prove a valid reason for not playing, particularly after the PCB tried to blame the government for the decision. The issue started when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with backing from the country's interim government, refused to send its national team to India for group-stage matches, citing security risks. Meanwhile, Pakistan faced a serious challenge against the Netherlands in the opening match of the tournament, narrowly winning by three wickets in Colombo on Saturday.
