Indian Media Spreading Fiction: Pakistan Cricket Board Dismisses Reports on ICC Negotiations

The Pakistan Cricket Board denied reopening talks with the ICC over the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match, dismissing media reports as false.

Tension around the India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup fixture in Colombo continues to rise. The Pakistan Cricket Board has maintained its decision to not play the February 15 match against the defending champions.

Recent media reports claimed the PCB had reopened communication with the International Cricket Council(ICC) to review its position. However, Pakistan rejected those reports on Saturday. PCB officials stated that no fresh contact had been initiated from their side. They dismissed media reports as incorrect and misleading.

“I categorically reject the claim by a renowned Indian sports journalist that the PCB approached the ICC. As usual, sections of the Indian media are busy circulating fiction. A little patience and time will clearly show who actually went knocking and who didn’t,” PCB Spokesperson Amir Mir wrote on X.

Meanwhile, new reports from AFP had indicated that the PCB contacted the ICC after receiving formal communication from the governing body. The ICC preferred discussion to settle the matter.

The issue started when Pakistan decided to boycott the Group A clash against India in Colombo. Government authorities cleared Pakistan’s participation in the tournament but denied approval for the India fixture. The India–Pakistan match remains a major revenue driver through broadcasting and sponsorship. Pakistan risk losing two points and hurting their net run rate if the match is forfeited.