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PCB Fails to Win Concessions from ICC Over India Match, Focus Shifts to 'Broader Engagement'

The Pakistan Cricket Board has been unsuccessful in obtaining significant concessions from the International Cricket Council regarding revenue sharing or the resumption of bilateral cricket with India. The ICC's official statement described the talks as part of a "broader engagement," focusing on cooperation for the sport's best interests without addressing PCB's specific demands. This development follows the Pakistani government's clearance for its team to play the scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15. The ICC also commented on its continued support for cricket in Bangladesh despite the national team's non-participation in the 2026 event.

Key Points: ICC Calls Talks with PCB 'Broader Engagement' Amid Revenue, Handshake Demands

  • PCB sought higher ICC revenue share
  • PCB asked ICC to push for India-Pakistan bilateral cricket restart
  • PCB requested end to Indian players' 'no handshake' policy
  • ICC statement ignored specific demands, stressed unity
  • Pakistan government cleared team to play India on Feb 15
2 min read

ICC terms the discussion with Pakistan as 'broader engagement' as PCB fails to get major concessions

PCB fails to secure major concessions from ICC on revenue share or India bilateral ties. ICC emphasizes 'broader engagement' as Pakistan confirms participation in T20 World Cup match.

"The dialogue... took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings. - ICC Official Statement"

Mumbai, Feb 10

The Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to get any major concessions from the International Cricket Council for agreeing not to boycott the match against India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played on February 15 in Colombo.

In its negotiations with the ICC, the PCB has sought a higher share of revenue from ICC and had also asked the sport's governing body to ask BCCI to approach the Indian government seeking the restart of bilateral cricket ties between the two countries.

The PCB has also asked the ICC to get the Indian players to drop their "no handshake" policy with Pakistan players, which was started during the 2025 Asia Cup.

However, in its official statement on Monday, the ICC made no mention of these demands by the PCB.

"The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation," the ICC said in its official statement.

The ICC statement was issued soon after the Pakistan Government released a statement in Islamabad, allowing its team to take the field for the match against India on February 15.

"In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a success," the ICC further said.

Regarding Bangladesh, the ICC said it will continue the facilitation of the growth of the sport in the country.

"With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket's most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country," the ICC statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The "no handshake" policy is a bit childish, honestly. Sportsmanship should be above all. But asking BCCI to lobby our government? That's crossing a line. PCB needs to understand the ground realities.
R
Rohit P
Typical PCB drama before every India match. They create issues, threaten to boycott, then back down when they realize they need the ICC and the revenue from playing India. Just play cricket!
S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan living in India, I think the ICC's statement is very diplomatic. "Broader engagement" is a nice way of saying they listened but didn't agree to anything. The focus should be on the World Cup being a success.
V
Vikram M
The real story is Bangladesh not participating in 2026. That's a huge loss for world cricket. Hope the ICC's "facilitation" actually helps. As for the India-Pak match, may the best team win! 🏏
K
Karthik V
PCB fails again. They always come with a begging bowl. First revenue share, then bilateral series. BCCI is right to keep sports and politics separate. Our government's stance is clear and correct.

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