The suspense over the India-Pakistan match has now reached a new turn. Now there are reports of a U-turn on the match for which boycott had come to light. According to the report, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is ready to play against India, but it has put three important conditions before ICC. A high-level meeting was held between PCB and ICC on Sunday, February 8 in Lahore. This conversation took place at a time when there is not much time left for the clash between the two teams in the group stage. The ICC wants there to be no threat to the world’s most high-voltage and lucrative competition.
What are the three demands of Pakistan?
According to Cricbuzz report, if Pakistan has to withdraw its boycott then it needs some guarantees. The PCB has reportedly set these three conditions:
Major share in ICC revenue
Resumption of bilateral cricket with India
Strictly enforce handshake protocol
These demands have made it clear that the matter is not just about a match, but also about long-term relationships and economic participation. However, these demands of Pakistan make no sense because India has not played bilateral series with Pakistan for a long time. As far as a bigger share in ICC revenue is concerned, it is possible only if you generate that much revenue and give it to ICC. India is a big market for cricket. Pakistan does not even come in the Big Three of cricket.
How did the controversy start?
The entire controversy started when the Pakistan government publicly announced that the team would not play against India even if the match was played at a neutral venue. The government did not give a clear reason behind this. It was believed in the cricket world that Pakistan’s stand was in support of Bangladesh, which had demanded to move its matches out of India citing security concerns, which was rejected by the ICC.
Negotiation efforts intensified
After tension increased, ICC immediately took initiative. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul were present in the meeting held in Lahore. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta joined virtually. According to Cricbuzz, Bangladesh may also demand compensation from the ICC, and Pakistan’s role may be important in taking this agreement forward.
In which direction the decision?
Now everyone’s eyes are on what stance the ICC takes on these conditions. If a solution is found then cricket fans will get relief, because India-Pakistan match is not just a game but a global event.
