Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal said on Saturday that the contest is no longer the "most important" match, asserting that the final of the tournament carries greater significance.
Earlier on Monday, the Pakistan Government directed its national cricket team to take the field on February 15 for their scheduled fixture against the defending champions, India, in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the country's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, on Tuesday said Pakistan's sole aim in their boycott stand-off with the ICC was to gain Bangladesh some "respect".
Pakistan had announced an earlier boycott of the much-anticipated match against India; however, on Monday, the Government of Pakistan reversed its decision and directed its national cricket team to take the field on February 15 for their scheduled fixture in Colombo.
India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Tuesday revealed that the Indian team were not worried about Pakistan's earlier announcement to boycott the much-anticipated match against the Men in Blue, saying, we assumed we were going to play.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said he doesn't like the politicisation of sports and is glad that "cricket will move" with India and Pakistan's match in the T20 World Cup.
The Government of Pakistan has directed their National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, for its scheduled fixture against the defending champions India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
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."
An ICC delegation led by its Deputy Chairman is also likely to arrive in Pakistan later today. The delegation is expected to hold discussions with PCB officials regarding Pakistan's boycott of the high-profile group-stage match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is schedu
While the PCB has not publicly commented on the boycott, the ICC responded via its official channels, urging the board to "explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders."
This response comes after Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi alleged India's involvement in the attacks. India emphasised Pakistan's poor human rights record and suppression in the region.