Pakistan agree to play India in T20 World Cup clash
Glenn Moore |
Pakistan has agreed to play India in the Twenty20 World Cup match scheduled to take place in Colombo this Sunday, February 15.
The decision will come as a relief to national governing bodies everywhere, including Cricket Australia. The fixture, which attracts huge television audiences, underpins the ICC’s $A4.4billion Indian broadcast deal with rights to World Cups sold on the understanding they will meet at least once.
If the match had not taken place there could have been significant financial repercussions.
Pakistan’s government announced the decision on Monday night local time, reversing a boycott imposed following the governing body, the ICC, replacing Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament.
That came after the ICC had rejected Bangladesh refusing to play in India and asking for their matches to be moved to co-hosts Sri Lanka.
The request followed the Board of Control for Cricket in India ordering Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi player signed to play in the Indian Premier League, amid rising political tensions.
In what appeared a choreographed series of moves the Bangladesh Cricket Board asked Pakistan to reverse their decision after a meeting between representatives from global governing body the ICC, which runs the event, and the cricket boards of Bangladesh and Pakistan in Lahore.
At the meeting the ICC agreed not to impose any sporting, financial or administrative penalty on Bangladesh for their refusal to play in India.
It was also announced Bangladesh would host an ICC event prior to the 50-over World Cup of 2031, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.
“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period … I request Pakistan to play the game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mohammad Aminul Islam said afterwards.
Barely an hour later the boycott was called off.
A social media post from the Pakistan government stated the team would be directed to play “in view of the outcomes achieved as well as the request of friendly countries”.
Both teams have played once in the competition so far, Pakistan defeating the Netherlands and India beating the United States.
AAP
