Mohsin Naqvi exposed: PCB begged BCB for formal appeal before Pakistan’s U-turn on India boycott

The India vs Pakistan row has finally come to an end, after the Pakistan government finally gave the green light to feature against their arch-rivals after three weeks of drama. Pakistan was trying to boycott the match against India to showcase solidarity with Bangladesh was removed from the T20 World Cup after their plea to change their venue due to security issues was rejected by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

However, in the turn of events, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to withdraw their stand of boycotting the India vs Pakistan match. BCB chief Aminul Islam was present in the meeting with the ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja on Sunday.

Previously, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board also sent formal emails to the PCB to withdraw their decision to boycott the game against India. PCB chief Naqvi, after sharing all the discussion details with ICC, waited for the decision from the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to confirm the board’s stance.

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BCB chief thanks Pakistan Cricket Board

After the meeting, Aminul Islam thanked the PCB, who showcased support in their favour, and also asked them to play the game for the benefit of the cricketing fraternity. Aminul Islam said in the statement, "We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish."

"Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem."

Mohsin Naqvi asked Islam to write a formal plea to the PCB

After the statement was released, it was reported that Mohsin Naqvi had asked the BCB chief, Aminul Islam, to write a formal letter to Pakistan. The source stated (as quoted by PTI), "Bulbul was called by Naqvi to request that he issues a formal appeal to Pakistan to play the game (against India) and that was a respectable way of wriggling out of the mess."

The BCB statement read, "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) extends its sincere appreciation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC) and all involved for their positive roles in trying to overcome recent challenges."

"In particular, the BCB wishes to express its profound and heartfelt gratitude to PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, his Board and the cricket fans of Pakistan. Throughout this period, the PCB has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity."

Pakistan demands were met on conditions

Pakistan demanded five things from the ICC; however, only two of them were met. As there would be no fines or penalties for Bangladesh, and they would receive the full amount of money, which they get from the annual revenue of the ICC.

Another one is to grant Bangladesh compensation global tournament after last year's Women's T20 World Cup was changed from their country to Dubai, citing security and political turmoil.

However, the India vs Pakistan bilateral series, which was demanded, was rejected by ICC as the decision cannot be taken by the apex body, with the final call taken by the Indian government on the matter.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan 3-match Test series in England demanded after T20 World Cup drama ends