Feb 10 • 13:22 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

Behind the Scenes Deal, ICC Grants Concessions to PAK, What Did PCB Get in 'Sealed Envelope'?

The International Cricket Council has granted concessions to the Pakistan Cricket Board in exchange for ending its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, which will only be publicly disclosed after the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly received certain concessions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in return for agreeing to end its boycott of the T20 World Cup match scheduled against India. This agreement is set to remain undisclosed until after the tournament concludes, according to insider sources from the PCB. These changes come in the context of an escalating cricket rivalry, where political tensions have often spilled over into sports.

A PCB source informed PTI that any terms agreed upon between the ICC and PCB would not be made public until after the World Cup, emphasizing the confidentiality surrounding this deal. Interestingly, ICC clarified that the Bangladesh Cricket Board would not face any penalties for its refusal to play in India, and it has been granted the opportunity to host an ICC tournament between 2028-2031, potentially the Under-19 Men's World Cup. This decision indicates ICC's strategic positioning in managing relations between member boards amid complex political landscapes.

Additionally, this development comes on the heels of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing a boycott of the group match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, citing support for Bangladesh, which had withdrawn from the tournament over safety concerns about playing in India. This highlights the intricate balance of cricket administration and geopolitics, where the sport often becomes a chess piece in broader international relations.

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