The fixture was saved after intense negotiations, which began when Pakistan initially announced a boycott. ICC officials had feared severe financial and reputational losses if the match did not go ahead. Eight days later, a resolution was reached following a crucial meeting between a two-member ICC delegation, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam.
The ICC delegation, comprising Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and Associate Members’ representative Mubashir Usmani, met with PCB and BCB officials at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The meeting lasted two to three hours, with Usmani playing a pivotal role in ensuring that a solution was found that addressed the concerns of all parties. Sources told Hindustan Times Digital that Usmani’s intervention was critical soon after the Pakistan government’s initial boycott announcement.
"Mubashir played a pivotal role in ensuring that all stakeholders—ICC, PCB, and BCB—reach consensus and amicably resolve the dispute that had threatened to disrupt not only the ongoing World Cup but the future of ICC events," a source said.
Even after initial negotiations concluded on February 8, back-channel talks continued on February 9 to resolve last-minute issues. Usmani remained central to these discussions, addressing deadlocks and facilitating compromise.
The standoff initially arose after Pakistan decided to show solidarity with Bangladesh following their exclusion from the tournament. When Scotland was named as Bangladesh’s replacement, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi threatened to pull Pakistan out of the World Cup. Days later, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cleared the team to participate, but the India fixture was still in doubt.
Following further negotiations, the PCB invoked the Force Majeure Clause and invited BCB president Aminul Islam to Lahore. Hours later, the ICC delegation arrived, and discussions between the three parties paved the way for a resolution. On Monday, the BCB urged the PCB to play against India, and the ICC confirmed that Bangladesh would face no sanctions and would also secure hosting rights for a future event before 2031.
With these developments, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash was officially confirmed, ending a tense ten-day period and saving one of the most watched fixtures in world cricket.
