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Pakistan Greenlights India T20 WC Clash, But Protest Plans Emerge

The Pakistan government has approved the national cricket team's participation against India in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Colombo. The decision followed a meeting between PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a final announcement expected by next Monday. Despite the go-ahead, the team may stage a protest, such as wearing black armbands, to show solidarity with Bangladesh after its venue change dispute with the ICC. The PCB has also been directed to formally write to the ICC regarding the Bangladesh issue.

Key Points: Pakistan to Play India in T20 WC, May Protest

  • Govt approves India match
  • Protest via black armbands considered
  • Decision finalized by Monday
  • PCB to write to ICC on Bangladesh issue
3 min read

T20 WC: 'Pakistan will play India match but..' Sources after PCB chief Naqvi meets PM Sharif (Lead)

Pakistan govt approves team for India match in T20 World Cup after PCB chief meets PM. Team may wear black armbands in solidarity with Bangladesh.

"Briefed him on the ICC Matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. - Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi"

New Delhi, Jan 26

The Pakistan government has given a go-ahead to the national team to play against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Colombo, sources said, adding that the decision was arrived at after a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday.

Though PCB Chairman Naqvi wrote in a social media post that a final decision on this matter will be announced by Friday or Monday, sources told IANS that Pakistan will play India in the T20 World Cup.

"Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him in detail about the ICC T-20 World Cup and the current situation regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board," a source told IANS.

There were reports that Pakistan are likely to boycott their match against India if not the entire tournament to show solidarity with Bangladesh, who have been replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup schedule after they refused to travel to India for their matches citing security fears.

In a post on X, the PCB Chairman said that he had a "productive meeting" with the Prime Minister. "Briefed him on the ICC Matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday", Naqvi wrote in the post on X.

Though the Pakistan government has given its nod to play the ICC T20 World Cup and India match, reports said they could make some form of protest before that.

"The team could wear black armbands in the match or issue a statement in support of Bangladesh before it," sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

Naqvi is also Pakistan's Interior Minister, and thus the second-in-command after PM Sharif, and by leaving the decision to him and the PCB, the Pakistan government is hoping to pile on the pressure on the ICC.

Sources also told IANS that PM Shehbaz Sharif has also directed the PCB to write a letter to the ICC on the Bangladesh issue. Pakistan is the only board among the top affiliated national associations to come out in support of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) during the ICC board meeting at which the global governing body for cricket decided to reject Bangladesh's request for a venue change.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The constant back and forth is exhausting. First they threaten to boycott, then they get permission, then they talk about protests. It takes away from the spirit of the World Cup. Just play the game or don't.
A
Arjun K
This "solidarity" with Bangladesh feels more like a political stunt. If they were so concerned, why wait for a meeting with the PM? The match will happen, they know the financial and viewership stakes are too high to miss. Bas khelo bhai!
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Priyanka N
Wearing black armbands? Issuing statements? This is childish. It's a cricket tournament, not a political platform. Bangladesh made their choice based on their security assessment. Respect it and move on. Let the players' skills do the talking on the field.
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Vikram M
As much as I love the rivalry, I have to say the PCB's approach lacks grace. The ICC made a decision. Constantly trying to pressure them through the media and vague threats doesn't help anyone. It just creates more tension where none is needed for the sport.
D
David E
Good to see the match is on. From a neutral perspective, it's the match everyone waits for. Hope the focus stays on cricket and the amazing talent both teams have.

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