Source News 18
Pakistan is reportedly rethinking its stance on a potential boycott of matches involving India, following growing pressure from regional cricket boards and a cautionary message from Sri Lanka Cricket. The development comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the scheduling and participation arrangements for upcoming international tournaments.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to review the hardline position after Sri Lanka warned that any unilateral boycott could isolate Pakistan within the Asian cricketing framework. Sri Lanka is understood to have conveyed that decisions affecting major tournaments require collective consensus, and that political posturing could have long-term consequences for the sport in the region.
The PCB had earlier signalled the possibility of refusing to play India amid ongoing bilateral tensions, a move that raised concerns within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in over a decade, meeting only in multi-nation tournaments under ICC or ACC events.
Cricket administrators in the region fear that an India boycott could disrupt tournament formats, broadcast revenues, and sponsorship agreements, potentially harming all participating nations. Broadcasters, in particular, rely heavily on India–Pakistan fixtures, which draw massive global viewership and commercial interest.
Insiders suggest that Mohsin Naqvi is now weighing the sporting and financial implications of a continued boycott against the diplomatic cost of appearing inflexible. While no official decision has been announced, a more pragmatic approach—allowing participation under neutral or agreed conditions—is said to be under discussion.
The PCB has yet to issue a formal statement, but any shift in position would mark a significant change in tone and could help ease tensions within Asian cricket. The final decision is expected to emerge after further consultations with the ACC and other member boards in the coming days.
