New Delhi/Lahore: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the marquee India vs Pakistan match will proceed as scheduled, while also granting relief to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after its withdrawal from the tournament, ensuring no punitive action against the board.
At a meeting held in Dubai, the ICC decided not to impose any financial, sporting or administrative penalties on Bangladesh for its refusal to travel to India. Following the decision, Scotland was brought in as a replacement in the tournament lineup.
In an official communication, the global cricket body stated that the BCB would not face any sanctions in connection with the matter. The ICC also clarified that Bangladesh retains the right to approach its Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) under existing regulations if it chooses to pursue the issue further.
In a significant development, the ICC has also allotted Bangladesh the hosting rights for a global event to be held between 2028 and 2031, a move seen as a gesture to support the board after the disruption.
Meanwhile, the India vs Pakistan clash — one of the most anticipated fixtures in international cricket — remains a central attraction of the tournament, with both teams set to participate as per schedule.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi dismissed reports suggesting that Pakistan was under pressure from the ICC or facing the threat of sanctions. He asserted that the board was not concerned about any warnings or external pressure.
During discussions with ICC deputy chairman Imran Khawaja, Naqvi also put forward proposals aimed at addressing the financial impact caused by Bangladesh’s exit. These included the revival of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan and the possibility of organising a tri-nation series involving Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The ICC’s decisions are expected to stabilise the tournament structure while ensuring that key matches, including the high-profile India-Pakistan encounter, go ahead without disruption.
