Ind-Pak match can happen if BD are reinstated at T20 World Cup, says Ex-PCB chief

NEW DELHI, Feb 05 (India Today): The fate of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup continues to hang in the balance, with former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi suggesting that the marquee match can still take place if Bangladesh are reinstated into the tournament. His remarks add fresh context to Pakistan's decision to consider a boycott, a move that has triggered warnings of sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan's stance, conveyed through an official government statement, is being widely viewed as a political protest rather than a purely sporting decision. The move is linked to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament after the ICC declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
The fallout has put the tournament under strain, particularly with the India-Pakistan fixture, regarded as the biggest draw in world cricket, now uncertain. The ICC has already reportedly cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that any boycott of the high-profile match could lead to punitive sanctions. The world body has also stressed that such a step would not be in the larger interest of the game, given the sporting and commercial value attached to an India-Pakistan encounter. While the ICC has stopped short of spelling out specific penalties, the warning underlines the seriousness with which it views Pakistan's position. Najam Sethi believes the situation is still salvageable. "From my point of view, if Bangladesh can be invited to Sri Lanka, it's not too late.