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ICC Broker's India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Match Deal, Averts Boycott Crisis

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla praised the International Cricket Council for facilitating a resolution that ensures the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match will proceed as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo. The agreement came after the Pakistan government reversed its earlier decision to boycott the match following ICC-led negotiations. The deal also addressed concerns from Bangladesh, offering them a future hosting opportunity and avoiding penalties for their absence. Shukla described the outcome as an "amicable solution" and a "win-win situation" that brings cricket back to the forefront.

Key Points: ICC Saves India-Pakistan T20 WC Match, Rajeev Shukla Praises Deal

  • Pakistan reverses boycott decision
  • ICC brokers diplomatic solution
  • India-Pakistan match set for Feb 15
  • Bangladesh receives hosting assurance
  • Shukla calls it a "win-win"
2 min read

T20 WC: Rajeev Shukla hails ICC for 'amicable solution' to bring cricket back to the forefront

BCCI's Rajeev Shukla hails ICC for brokering a solution, ensuring the high-profile India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match proceeds in Colombo.

"It's a good solution, an amicable solution which has been found to give priority to the importance of cricket to the game. - Rajeev Shukla"

New Delhi, Feb 10

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla lauded the International Cricket Council for "finding an amicable solution" that made sure the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match will go ahead as per schedule after the latter decided to reverse its earlier decision to boycott the game.

The Pakistan government made a U-turn on its earlier stance and has now allowed the men's cricket team to play its scheduled match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo.

"I am delighted to see the outcome of the deliberations initiated by the ICC representative, supervised by the ICC chairman, and then the representatives who had gone to Lahore to talk to the Pakistan Cricket Board as well as the Bangladesh Cricket Board. It's a good solution, an amicable solution which has been found to give priority to the importance of cricket to the game," Shukla told reporters on Tuesday.

"So all kudos to ICC for taking this initiative, resolving the whole issue and bringing the cricket back to the forefront. So this is a big achievement as far as ICC is concerned. I would like to thank ICC for taking this initiative and bringing Pakistan to the table and then, ultimately, deciding for Pakistan to play in the Colombo match. It's good news for all of us, and the scheduled match for Feb 15 in Colombo will take place, and Pakistan will also play. So now this World Cup will also be a big success story," he said.

Moreover, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and ICC thereafter confirmed that Bangladesh will not face penalties for their absence from the tournament and will have the opportunity to host an ICC event ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to standard ICC hosting processes and requirements.

"Another important aspect is that Bangladesh's feelings have also been assessed as far as these negotiations are concerned, and some relief has been given to their board also, and they are also happy," Shukla said.

"In fact, they have praised ICC for their efforts. So it's a win-win situation for everybody, and I am happy that, you know, the match will take place and the World Cup will be a successful event," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
I'm happy the match is on, but let's be honest, this "U-turn" by Pakistan was expected. They know the financial and viewership power of an India match. Glad our board stood firm and didn't beg. Focus should now be on our team's preparation!
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Aman W
Good diplomatic work by ICC. Also appreciate that they handled the Bangladesh situation sensitively. South Asian cricket needs to stick together for the growth of the game. A peaceful match in Colombo will be a great message.
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Sarah B
While I'm relieved as a cricket lover, I do have a respectful criticism. All this last-minute drama affects players' mental prep. These schedules and participation should be locked in much earlier. The fans and players deserve stability.
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Vikram M
Bas, ab match dekhna hai! All this talk of boycotts and then coming back... typical. But chalo, at least sense prevailed. Now hoping for a cracking game and an Indian win, obviously! 🎉
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Karan T
Shukla ji is right to thank ICC, but let's not forget the BCCI's clout in these matters. The solution is "amicable" because it makes commercial sense for everyone involved. At the end of the day, cricket is a business too.

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