Bangladesh and Pakistan Seek India-Centric Tri-Nation Series in Talks with ICC: Report

The long-running dispute involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over participation in the T20 World Cup appears to be moving toward a resolution, with new developments emerging from high-level discussions in Lahore.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Pakistan—having earlier taken a firm stance against playing India in their scheduled February 15 World Cup group match—may now be preparing to soften its position. On Sunday (February 8), senior officials from the PCB and BCB held an extended tripartite meeting with ICC representatives at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The report claims the issue has now reached the office of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose approval is expected to be decisive. Indications suggest a meeting between the prime minister and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi could take place soon, potentially paving the way for an official announcement by either the ICC or the PCB before the end of the day. With less than a week remaining before the scheduled match in Colombo, further delays could complicate logistics for teams, fans and stakeholders alike.

The ICC, however, is understood to be holding a firm line, maintaining that Pakistan has no contractual basis to refuse participation. Officials have reportedly pointed to the Member Participation Agreement (MPA) and a deal signed in December 2024, which outlined a hybrid model allowing India–Pakistan matches to be staged at neutral venues.

Amid speculation surrounding behind-the-scenes negotiations, Cricbuzz reports that the PCB has raised broader demands—not only for itself but also on behalf of Bangladesh. These reportedly include calls to revive bilateral cricket between India and Bangladesh, and more notably, a proposal for a tri-nation series featuring India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

While it remains unclear how many of these demands may be accommodated, the ICC is not in a position to guarantee either bilateral or tri-nation series involving India, as such decisions rest solely with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which operates under the oversight of the Indian government. A scheduled India–Bangladesh bilateral series set for September also remains uncertain amid ongoing diplomatic strains.

The report adds that assurances have been given that several demands from the PCB and BCB will be addressed. If a breakthrough is achieved, it is expected to reflect sustained negotiations by the ICC and its engagement with all parties, particularly the BCB.

ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja was present in Lahore during the discussions, while UAE board director Mubashir Usmani is also believed to have joined the talks online. Much of the diplomatic groundwork, however, has reportedly taken place behind the scenes in Dubai and Mumbai, as ICC officials continue intensive efforts to manage the issue alongside preparations for the ongoing World Cup.