Pakistan impasse headed for thaw with Prime Minister's nod awaited

The ICC-Pakistan row may be reaching a climax, with the possibility of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) climbing down from its public stance of not playing against India.

After a marathon tripartite meeting among representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the PCB, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in Lahore, the matter is believed to have reached Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is expected to give his approval.

Indications are that approval would come after an expected meeting between Sharif and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi later in the day. A formal announcement, either by the ICC or the PCB, is expected by the end of the day. With less than a week left for the game, any further delay would be self-defeating, as fans and stakeholders need time to travel to Colombo, where the match is scheduled for February 15.

It is understood the ICC has held firm on its expectation that Pakistan has no grounds for demands and should play as per the terms of the Members Participation Agreement (MPA) and the pact signed in December 2024, which proposed a hybrid hosting structure for India-Pakistan matches at neutral venues.

Tri-series with India among PCB and BCB's demands

Some speculated demands appear accurate: the PCB was seeking the restoration of bilateral series with India, not just for Pakistan but also for Bangladesh. Furthermore, the PCB and BCB have sought a tri-series involving India.

How many of these demands were accepted is unclear, but the ICC cannot assure bilateral or tri-series involving India. That is the prerogative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which functions under the authority of the Indian government. A bilateral series between India and Bangladesh is scheduled for September in Bangladesh, but current diplomatic tensions cast doubt on that series.

The final arrangement will involve compromise. The ICC has prioritized process over politics and dialogue over conflict. Despite allegations of bias in Pakistan, the ICC has been largely accommodating. Any resolution will stem from the world body's intent to engage all parties, including the BCB.

ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja was in Lahore, and another board director, Mubashir Usmani of the UAE, is believed to have participated online. However, most negotiations occurred behind the scenes in Dubai and Mumbai, where ICC officials have been working tirelessly on this issue and the ongoing World Cup.

Prolonged uncertainty, mainly from Pakistan, has added logistical burdens and left thousands of fans—many with tickets, flights, and hotels booked—in limbo.