The ICC delegation landed in Lahore on Sunday to have discussions with the PCB officials.
Earlier this month, the Pakistan government directed its national team to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India on February 15 in Colombo.
Even though the International Cricket Council (ICC) made it clear that selective participation will not be allowed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) didn’t change its stance. The arch-rivals are placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA.
Amid the deadlock, the ICC officials landed in Lahore on Sunday (February 8) to have discussions with the PCB and it seems that the boycott U-turn is now on the cards.
According to a report by NDTV, some PCB officials are open to the idea of playing the marquee India clash. The publication, citing sources, claimed that the ICC officials warned the PCB of the severe consequences of a boycott.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, is expected to take up the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before taking a final decision.
Apart from meeting the ICC delegation, Naqvi and other PCB officials had a dialogue with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Aminul Islam Bulbul regarding the ongoing standoff.
Earlier, it was reported that PCB had reached out to ICC after the apex body sought an explanation on how the force majeure clause can be invoked to justify the team's refusal to play India, and also warned the Pakistan board of potential legal implications.
Moreover, co-hosts Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged the PCB to reconsider its stance, which could have an adverse impact on tourism in the island nation. In a letter, SLC also reminded PCB that they were one of the first major nations to tour Pakistan after the 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.
Pakistan’s boycott decision is being seen as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh after their removal from the 20-tournament for refusing to travel to India citing 'security concerns'.
(With NDTV Inputs)