LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again following a request from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Pakistan’s refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026, sources said on Saturday.
According to sources, Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet the prime minister within the next one or two days to seek government guidance in light of the ICC’s request. Sources added that the final decision regarding the Pakistan–India match will be taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
It may be recalled that earlier, on the instructions of the federal government, the PCB had decided to participate in the T20 World Cup but not to play against India, a stance that has since become a major point of concern for the ICC due to the match’s commercial and global significance.
Meanwhile, the ICC has intensified efforts to persuade Pakistan to reconsider its position. In this regard, discussions are currently underway in Lahore between ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam is also present at the meeting.
Sources revealed that negotiations among the parties have been ongoing for more than three hours. During the talks, the PCB chairman reportedly raised concerns over what he termed unfair treatment of Bangladesh, stressing the need for equitable handling of member boards.
Mohsin Naqvi is said to have clearly conveyed to the ICC deputy chairman that the decision not to play India was taken by the Pakistani government, and any reversal of that decision would likewise require government approval.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam also met Mohsin Naqvi at the PCB headquarters and thanked Pakistan for its support and solidarity with Bangladesh, sources added.
