PCB's Naqvi Meets ICC Deputy in Lahore Amid India Boycott Drama

Lahore Summit: Naqvi Faces ICC Heat

The meeting will follow days of ‘back-channel talks’ between the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC), with Pakistan deciding against attendance at their February 15 T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India.
Earlier in the day the PCB official had met with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Aminul Islam Bulbul to cut the stalemate on the looming impasse with the ICC. 

The PCB is demanding higher revenue from the ICC, as noted in a Telecom Asia Sport report. PCB wants the Indian players to honor the ethics they hold and shake hands with Pakistani players during the matches. The PCB is set to bring these demands before ICC. 

PCB Softens Stance on IND vs PAK Clash

The PCB reportedly softened their stance on the boycott, having been told about the potential implications of the failure to proceed with the decision for future financial and other damages.
On February 15 that match was estimated at 30 through 35 million USD (almost equal to PCB's share of ICC revenue). If Pakistan did boycott the game against the PCB, the ICC could also recover the losses by withholding payments to PCB. 

Suryakumar Yadav: India Ready to Play

India, even as Pakistan plans to boycott, will fly to Colombo for the match, Suryakumar Yadav says.
He said, "Their decision is not in my control. I wish I could take that decision. It's their call. We have been told that we have to play a game on the 15th. We played them three times in the Asia Cup at a neutral venue. We played some good cricket, we won and we were very happy. If we get an opportunity, we will definitely play them.”

Govt Orders Force Majeure?

Earlier this week the PCB advised ICC that they will withdraw from the IND vs PAK match because of a government mandate to signal solidarity with Bangladesh, which Scotland replaced by refusing to play in India over security concerns.
The PCB cited Force Majeure by the government instructions not to pitch their arch-rivals in the group stage of the multi-nation tournament. The government did not provide another explanation or reason for entering. Cricket’s global body has since called on the PCB to explain how it made attempts to get out of the logjam in terms of the terms of participation.