New Delhi, Feb 07 (V7N) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) is engaged in dialogue with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an effort to resolve Pakistan’s boycott of its highly anticipated T20 World Cup fixture against India, sources familiar with the matter told AFP on Saturday.

The match, scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15, is regarded as one of the most commercially valuable contests in world cricket, generating millions of dollars in broadcasting, sponsorship and advertising revenue.

Uncertainty arose after Pakistan’s government directed the national team not to take part in the match against arch-rivals India. Following a formal communication from the ICC, the PCB approached the world governing body to discuss possible ways forward, according to a source close to the developments.

The source said the ICC is seeking a solution through dialogue rather than confrontation.

The 20-team tournament has already faced political complications. Earlier, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after Dhaka declined to play matches in India citing security concerns. In protest, Pakistan subsequently refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A encounter.

Pakistan, who began their campaign with a narrow win over the Netherlands on Saturday, stand to lose two crucial points and suffer damage to their net run rate if the India match is forfeited.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said earlier this week that his team would travel to Colombo as scheduled for the fixture.

India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade and now meet only in global or regional tournaments due to longstanding political tensions.

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