ICC Pressured Into Talks: Pakistan-India T20 World Cup Match May Proceed

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council appears to have bowed to pressure as marathon negotiations continue over a potential Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match, sources revealed Monday.
After over five hours of intense discussions in Lahore between ICC officials, the Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board, insiders suggest a major breakthrough could come within the next 24 hours.
Boycott Threat Proves Effective
Pakistan’s firm stance on boycotting the India match has seemingly forced the ICC to adopt a more flexible approach. Sources close to the negotiations say the governing body has come to the table willing to discuss Pakistan’s conditions for playing the high-profile fixture.
The lengthy talks focused on finding a workable solution that addresses concerns from all parties involved.
Compromise Formula Emerges
According to sources, the ICC has shown positive response to demands from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and developed a framework to resolve issues stemming from their World Cup exclusion.
Several proposals were exchanged between the International Cricket Council and Bangladeshi officials, with the PCB facilitating discussions as an intermediary.
ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja will now seek final approval from the ICC Board on the proposed arrangements.
Bangladesh Cricket Board President will brief his government in Dhaka about the negotiation outcomes.
Following mutual agreement on the formula, the ICC and BCB are scheduled to reconnect this afternoon for further talks.
The cricketing world awaits the outcome as one of sport’s biggest rivalries hangs in the balance.