Pakistan’s refusal to play a high-stakes T20 World Cup match against India has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, leaving fans anxious and uncertain.
The decision, according to reports, was not taken lightly by the Pakistan Cricket Board, as Chairman Mohsin Naqvi avoided acting unilaterally.
After consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad reportedly decided to boycott the fixture as a matter of principle and policy.
Sources say the move was made in solidarity with Bangladesh following the ICC’s controversial decision to exclude them and award their slot to Scotland.
Despite the standoff, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed India’s readiness, stating the team will travel to Colombo if Pakistan agrees.
Meanwhile, Indian and British media claim ICC–PCB back-channel talks are intensifying, raising cautious optimism for a breakthrough before 15 February.
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