All indications are that the India-Pakistan match on February 15 will go ahead as scheduled. The final decision rests with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who is expected to take the final call on this matter. It makes sense, given that the ruckus started after the announcement made by the Pakistan government.
Regardless of what Sharif decides, the meeting between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) in Lahore on Sunday (February 8) was an extensive one, allegedly lasting close to six hours. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) boss Aminul Islam was also present after being invited by the PCB to the meeting.
According to sources, here are the demands that were placed by the PCB to the ICC.
- Bangladesh's imminent punishment was pointed out and the PCB stated that the BCB should get their share of the ICC's annual revenue as is the norm, meaning that they shouldn't be punished after being replaced in the World Cup. This, however, was a no-brainer as the ICC had already opted not to sanction BCB.
- India's tour of Bangladesh, scheduled to be held later this year is in doubt after the strained political relations between the two countries. The PCB wanted surety regarding the occurrence of this series. The ICC, though, clearly responded by saying that this is a decision for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to make.
- PCB demanded the resumption of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan, and also asked for a Test series to be included in the next World Test Championship Cycle. The ICC firmly declined this demand as it is a complex issue that involves the India and Pakistan governments.
- PCB asked for a tri-series to be held involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh but this was another demand turned down by the ICC as these things don't fall under their jurisdiction.
- The only demand that was agreed upon is regarding the allotment of an ICC tournament to Bangladesh after the country lost out on hosting the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. The ICC could potentially give the next edition of the U19 World Cup as a resolution
