‘Talks ongoing between ICC and Bangladesh,’ Mohsin Naqvi says on T20 World Cup issue | The Express Tribune

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said that talks were ongoing between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh on the situation regarding the T20 World Cup.

The World Cup, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups, began on Saturday. Pakistan opened its campaign with a victory over the Netherlands in a Group A fixture on February 7. Originally, Bangladesh had been included in the slate but requested the ICC to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka after its star player, Mustafeezur Rehman, was released from the Indian Premier League following objections from ruling party activists. The ICC declined the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

Pakistan took a principled stand in support of Bangladesh and protested the ICC’s decision, a move that further strained relations with the governing body. The federal government also ordered the team not to play the match against India in Colombo.

Naqvi held prolonged discussions with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and an ICC delegation, including Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday over the Pakistan–India T20 World Cup row. The ICC is expected to inform the PCB within the next couple of days of its response to Pakistan’s conditions and proposals. In the next phase, Naqvi is set to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matters discussed. He made it clear during the talks that the final decision rests with the Government of Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore after the auction for the Pakistan Super League’s Multan team, Naqvi said: “The issue was one between the ICC and Bangladesh. We could not allow Bangladesh’s point of view to let go of [unheard]; they are our brothers. Matters are underway and the ICC and Bangladesh board are in that phase where it won’t be appropriate if I say more so I myself am waiting for information from them and then we will tell you.”

Questioned about reports of a restriction or fine on Pakistan for its decision, the PCB chief said: “I am not afraid of a threat, nor the government and you know about the field marshal so that is why there is no issue.”

On reports about Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates trying to mediate in the matter, Naqvi confirmed that several countries, including allied nations, were involved in the matter and briefed on Pakistan’s perspective.

“Let’s see what happens. You will have an idea soon.”