Tripartite meet in Lahore over India-Pakistan game

A meeting is scheduled in Lahore for later Sunday between officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding Pakistan's participation in the February 15 match against India. Bangladesh has been invited by the PCB and will be represented by BCB president Aminul Islam, making it a tripartite meeting.

Bangladesh's involvement stems from the start of the Twenty20 World Cup row, when the BCB sought a venue change citing safety concerns in India. After the ICC rejected that request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, Pakistan expressed solidarity and vowed not to play the India game in Colombo as a protest.

Pakistan's move has escalated with the invocation of a Force Majeure clause, which the ICC has rejected. Facing potential heavy financial losses and sanctions for breaching the Members Participation Agreement, the PCB has come to the negotiating table.

The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain, but it indicates Pakistan may be reconsidering its stance on the Colombo fixture. Sri Lanka has criticized the potential boycott, highlighting the significant financial losses its tourism and hospitality sectors could face. Sri Lanka also reminded Pakistan of its own past international boycott and how Sri Lankan cricket helped revive international cricket in Pakistan.

Unverified reports suggest the PCB is demanding an increased share of ICC revenue, the restoration of bilateral cricket with India, and enforcement of handshake protocols in the game. Bangladesh, replaced in the World Cup, may also seek compensation.

Pakistan sought dialogue after the ICC challenged the legitimacy of its Force Majeure clause invocation, questioning the evidentiary threshold for non-participation and outlining the sporting, commercial, and governance implications of a boycott.

The ICC has kept negotiations open but made clear that selective participation in the World Cup is unacceptable, emphasizing the paramount importance of the tournament's sanctity.