Karachi, February 9 Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to request his Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India, after being persuaded to do so by his counterpart from Bangladesh, a PCB source has revealed.
It is understood that Naqvi had put forth several demands, including the resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket and a tri-series involving Bangladesh, to offset the losses that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) might have incurred after not traveling to India for the global event.
While Indo-Pak bilateral cricket falls under the purview of the ICC, the demand for a tri-series was summarily rejected. India hasn't played any tri-nation tournament in over a decade. However, the ICC might consider awarding the next men's U19 World Cup to Bangladesh.
Naqvi is scheduled to brief Sharif on the latest developments on the issue later on Monday. The game against India is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
"Naqvi will brief the PM on the communications he has had with the Bangladesh, Sri Lankan, and Emirates cricket boards, as well as with the ICC, regarding the crisis," the source said.
He said that Naqvi is likely to ask the PM to allow the team to play against India in the World Cup, considering the discussions and appeals from the Sri Lankan, Emirates, and Bangladesh boards.
However, the final decision rests with Sharif, and the PCB will abide by it.
The source said that during talks with ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja, Naqvi had raised a number of issues.
"He questioned Khwaja if the ICC had remained silent when the Pakistan team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from any Indian board official," the source said.
The trophy is currently locked at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai, after Naqvi, who currently heads the body, made it clear that only he would carry out the presentation formalities in the full glare of the media.
Bangladesh was eliminated from the World Cup after refusing to play in India, citing security concerns.