ICC Rejects Pakistan's Demands in India Cricket Standoff: Report

The International Cricket Council has rejected three key demands from the Pakistan Cricket Board amid Pakistan's refusal to play India in the T20 World Cup. The ICC turned down requests for a bilateral series and a tri-series involving India and Bangladesh, stating it cannot intervene in bilateral matters. A decision on Bangladesh potentially hosting the next Under-19 World Cup as compensation was considered. The final decision on Pakistan's participation now rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Key Points: ICC Rejects PCB Demands Over India Boycott

  • ICC rejects bilateral India-Pakistan series
  • Tri-series proposal also turned down
  • ICC cannot intervene in bilateral tours
  • Bangladesh may get U-19 World Cup
  • Final decision rests with Pakistan's PM
2 min read

ICC rejects three PCB demands as Pakistan's India standoff continues: Report

ICC rejects PCB's demands for India series & Bangladesh support. Pakistan's T20 World Cup boycott decision now awaits PM Shehbaz Sharif's verdict.

"The governing body has given the PCB 24 hours to make a final call. - Report"

New Delhi, Feb 9

The International Cricket Council has reportedly rejected three key demands put forward by the Pakistan Cricket Board during ongoing discussions between the two bodies after Pakistan refused to play against India in their T20 World Cup 2026 fixture on February 15 in Colombo.

As per media reports, the PCB placed several demands before the ICC in an effort to push for a reconsideration of its decision to boycott the match against India.

Pakistan demanded a bilateral series with India, which the ICC rejected, stating that it does not fall under its jurisdiction, even within the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The PCB also proposed a tri-series involving India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, but the ICC clearly turned down the request.

Pakistan's board stood out in support of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), whose officials were also present during the meeting.

The PCB demanded that India must tour Bangladesh later this year for the series that was postponed last year. However, the ICC again maintained that it cannot intervene in decisions related to bilateral series.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan board's demand that Bangladesh be awarded a compensatory ICC event, after last year's Women's T20 World Cup was shifted from Bangladesh to Dubai, was considered. There is a possibility that Bangladesh could be given the hosting rights for the next Under-19 World Cup.

According to the reports, one of Pakistan's key demands is that Bangladesh should continue to receive its share of ICC revenue. However, the ICC has already decided not to penalise Bangladesh independently.

The governing body has given the PCB 24 hours to make a final call. However, the decision now lies in the hands of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whom the PCB chairman is likely to meet on Monday evening. A final verdict is expected soon.

Meanwhile, both Pakistan and India began their campaigns with victories. Salman Agha's team edged past the Netherlands in a close encounter, while India registered a 29-run win against the USA.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, as a cricket fan, this is so frustrating! The India-Pakistan match is the highlight of any tournament. PCB's boycott hurts the fans the most. The ICC is right - they can't force bilateral series. Hope better sense prevails and they play on the 15th. 🤞
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Aditya G
Good decision by ICC. They have correctly identified their jurisdiction. PCB seems to be using this as leverage for other issues. The demand about Bangladesh's revenue share is fair, but mixing it with the India match boycott weakens their position.
S
Sarah B
Watching from abroad, it's clear the PCB's strategy is all over the place. You can't boycott a marquee event and then expect the governing body to meet unrelated demands. The players suffer, the fans suffer. Time for PCB to reconsider for the sake of cricket.
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Karthik V
The part about Bangladesh is interesting. PCB standing up for them is good sportsmanship, but it shouldn't be conditional on India playing. Each issue should be separate. Hope the PMO in Pakistan takes a pragmatic view. We just want a good match!
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Nisha Z
As an Indian, I have to say the PCB's demands seem like a negotiation tactic that has backfired. The ICC was never going to agree. Now the ball is in their court. Either play the match with grace or face the consequences. Simple.

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