Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam has arrived in Lahore, Pakistan, ahead of a crucial meeting involving the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The emergency meeting aims to address the ongoing standoff regarding Pakistan's potential boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Sri Lanka.
Islam's arrival in Lahore signals a growing urgency to resolve the escalating crisis threatening the integrity of the tournament. He met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore and is expected to participate in virtual discussions aimed at persuading Pakistan to reconsider its boycott decision. The ICC meeting, expected to be held over Zoom on Sunday evening, will involve ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, Naqvi, and Islam.
The boycott was initially announced on Pakistan's official X handle and later linked by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the controversy surrounding Bangladesh's withdrawal from the tournament, expressing solidarity. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after they refused to travel to India for the World Cup matches citing security concerns. This stemmed from the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) instruction to release Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid concerns about atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
The ICC has requested an explanation from Pakistan regarding the invocation of the 'Force Majeure' clause to justify their refusal to play India, after the PCB placed the onus on its government. However, there is now a "glimmer of hope" as the PCB has approached the ICC for deliberations. An ICC Director stated that the marquee clash will likely occur, as the ICC is engaging with the board in a structured manner to explore resolutions, prioritizing the interest of the game above unilateral action.
According to sources, Pakistan and Bangladesh have joined forces as the ICC attempts to negotiate an amicable solution with the PCB, aiming to convince them to overturn their boycott. Sources indicate the PCB is attempting to broker a deal involving Bangladesh in the negotiations, despite their non-participation in the T20 World Cup in India.
Amidst these developments, Imran Khwaja, the Deputy Chair of the ICC, has also traveled to Lahore to meet with PCB officials. He is expected to meet with Naqvi and Islam before the virtual meeting. Sri Lanka Cricket has cautioned the PCB to reconsider its decision, citing potentially huge financial losses for all stakeholders.
The PCB has reportedly softened its stance on boycotting the match against India after learning about the potential financial and other damages that the ICC could claim. Former ICC chief Ehsan Mani suggested that a direct meeting between Jay Shah and Mohsin Naqvi would be the most effective way to reach a conclusive solution.