Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said his recent meetings with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and ICC officials focused only on ensuring Bangladesh was treated fairly. He dismissed reports suggesting any other conditions were discussed. Naqvi spoke to the media in Peshawar on Tuesday.
He clarified that Pakistan had no personal or institutional interest in the negotiations. “We did not discuss anything except Bangladesh. Our only purpose was to get them respect,” he said. He added that all demands raised by Bangladesh during discussions had been accepted.
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Naqvi’s remarks followed the federal government’s withdrawal of its earlier decision to boycott Pakistan’s T20 World Cup group-stage match against India on February 15. Initially, Pakistan had announced a boycott after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament. Dhaka had declined to tour India citing security concerns amid tense political relations.
The standoff was resolved after prolonged negotiations involving the ICC, cricket boards of Pakistan and Bangladesh, government consultations, and diplomatic engagement from countries including Sri Lanka and the UAE. Pakistan agreed to play only after Bangladesh’s concerns were addressed and the ICC acknowledged the unfair treatment.
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“The government made its decision on that basis,” Naqvi said. “Once their demands were accepted and injustice recognised, we decided to play.” The PCB chief emphasized that Pakistan’s actions were motivated purely by fairness and respect for Bangladesh.