PCB, BCB & BCCI chiefs (Source: AFP Photos)
In a development which shook the cricketing world by storm, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday joined hands to make a demand to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a historic tri-series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The discussion happened in the presence of ICC representatives, where the major subject of the meetings was Pakistan’s initial stance of not playing against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15. The Cricbuzz confirmed the news, as it happened in Lahore.
India vs Pakistan vs Bangladesh on?
"...that the PCB was seeking the restoration of bilateral series with India not just for Pakistan, but also for Bangladesh. What is more, the PCB and the BCB have sought a tri-series involving India and themselves," a Cricbuzz report read.
However, the report further added that the ICC has not assured anything on PCB, BCB’s demands, as it would be completely dependent on the BCCI, which will make the decisions based on the orders by the Government of India. Notably, Mubashir Usmani, UAE's general secretary of Emirates Cricket Board and ICC Associate Member Director, was also present in the meeting.
ICC wants to speed up to resolve the matter
Needless to say, the decision to be taken by the PCB for the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match has already been delayed. The ICC now wants to negotiate quickly to come to the middle ground to resolve the matter. However, despite the fact that ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja was in Lahore, it is still unknown whether the issue has been fixed or not.
"Most of the work happened behind the scenes, in Dubai and Mumbai, where ICC officials are understood to be working tirelessly, for this issue in particular and the ongoing World Cup in general," the report revealed.
India, Pakistan begin T20 World Cup with victories
While Bangladesh were kicked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after certain demands from the ICC, India and Pakistan have begun the journey with victories. Pakistan, after a tense period in the second half of the game against the Netherlands, won by three wickets in the tournament opener, India defeated the USA by 29 runs in the later part of the same day, courtesy of the Suryakumar Yadav special at the Wankhede Stadium.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will play against the USA – the team that defeated them via Super Over in the last edition – on Tuesday in Colombo. India, on the other hand, will take on Namibia a day after at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
India and Pakistan are placed in the same group (A), along with Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Should they qualify for the Super 8 stage, the SKY-led side will be pooled in Group 1, while Salman Agha and his boys will go to another pool.
