ICC deputy chief reaches Lahore to discuss India-match boycott

2026-02-08 - 13:16

International Cricket Council (ICC) Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja on Sunday reached Lahore for negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the issue of the boycott of the T20 World Cup against India. Advisor to PCB Chairman, veteran journalist Amir Mir, received the ICC Deputy Chairman at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. Deputy Chairman of the ICC, Mr. Imran Khawaja being received at the Lahore Airport by Advisor to PCB Chairman. pic.twitter.com/BTd40ClkFT — Amir Mir (@AmirMirpcb) February 8, 2026 According to Amir Mir, Mr Imran Khawaja will meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi later today. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam is also in Pakistan ahead of the ICC board meeting. During his stay in Pakistan, Aminul Islam will attend the ICC emergency meeting and meet his Pakistani counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan government has boycotted the February 15 T20 World Cup match against arch-rival India to express solidarity with Bangladesh and protest against the ICC’s biased approach towards a cricket-loving nation. Following the snubbing of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directions, the BCB requested the ICC to shift its matches outside India. The ICC, however, rejected the BCB’s request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the mega event. Fearing huge economic losses, the ICC is making every effort to ensure that the T20 World Cup match between the arch-rivals is played as per the given schedule. Earlier, Sri Lanka, the co-host of the mega event, had requested the PCB to withdraw the boycott of the match against India. The PCB, however, has replied that the decision has been taken by the Pakistan government. BCB President reaches Pakistan ahead of ICC emergency meeting