Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

ABOUT US:

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>
<a title="Contact Us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Contact Us</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Editorji content is better experienced in our app.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invites US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for talks aimed at securing a lasting agreement, as Pakistan plays a key mediating role following a fragile ceasefire.

Pakistan to host US-Iran ceasefire talks on Friday

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invites US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for talks aimed at securing a lasting agreement, as Pakistan plays a key mediating role following a fragile ceasefire.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Islamabad would host delegations from the United States and Iran later this week following their ceasefire announcement.
"I... extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes," he said in a post on X.
Pakistan, which has forged a close relationship with US President Donald Trump and is sensitive to developments in neighbouring Iran, has emerged as a channel for messaging between Tehran and Washington in recent weeks.
"We earnestly hope, that the 'Islamabad Talks' succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days," Sharif said.
Both Tehran and Washington said they had agreed to a two-week ceasefire barely an hour before Trump's deadline to obliterate Iran was set to expire.
The war began when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran that killed its supreme leader on February 28, sparking retaliatory attacks from Tehran on Gulf nations and Israel.
Lebanon has also been drawn into the conflict after Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, which has since carried out strikes, including on the capital, and launched a ground operation in the south of the country.
Sharif said the ceasefire applied "everywhere" including Lebanon, though Israel later said it would not stop its aerial and ground operations there against Hezbollah militants.
The temporary ceasefire came after a down-to-the-wire bid by Pakistan and other mediators to avert Trump's threat to destroy all power plants and bridges across Iran, a move that legal experts said could constitute a war crime.
Turkey and Egypt had also been helping mediate in recent days. China helped get Iran to the negotiating table, Trump told AFP on Wednesday.
Sharif, in a separate X post, said China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar had all provided "support towards reaching the ceasefire and giving peaceful diplomatic efforts a chance".
The Pakistani leader also thanked Arab Gulf nations for their "commitment to peace and stability in the region".
Despite trading missile fire with Iran two years ago and holding an at-times rocky relationship with the United States, Pakistan currently shares warm ties with both countries.
That helped boost its moderating credentials, burnished by its strong bonds with heavyweight regional players, including Saudi Arabia and Beijing.
Pakistan is home to the world's second-biggest Shia Muslim population after Iran -- with which it shares a 900-kilometre (560-mile) border -- and represents some Iranian diplomatic interests in Washington where Tehran has no embassy.

Delhi Police apprehended three additional alleged members of a Pakistan-linked espionage network, including a juvenile and a woman, for allegedly sending sensitive information via parcels and WhatsApp, bringing the total arrests in the case to 18.

Three more members of Pak-linked espionage racket held; did recce of security, railway installations

Delhi Police apprehended three additional alleged members of a Pakistan-linked espionage network, including a juvenile and a woman, for allegedly sending sensitive information via parcels and WhatsApp, bringing the total arrests in the case to 18.

Police have apprehended three more alleged members of a major Pakistan-linked espionage racket, including a juvenile and a woman, for allegedly sending sensitive information to the neighbouring country through parcels via Dubai and WhatsApp, a police official said on Monday.
Till now, 18 individuals, including six minors, have been held in connection with the sensational case.
Meera Thakur (28), a resident of Mathura district, and Naushad Ali (20), a resident of Faridabad district of Haryana and originally hailing from Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, were arrested on Sunday. The third suspect is a minor.
Ali allegedly conducted a recce of security and police installations and railway stations in Delhi and other states and was forwarding photos and videos.
"The gang involved in espionage was sending secret information to a man named Sardar alias Zoravar Singh who was operating the spying racket from Pakistan," Additional Commissioner of Police Raj Karan Nayyar said.
The arrested have been identified as: Suhel Malik alias Romeo, Sane Iram alias Mehak, Praveen, Raj Valmiki, Shiva Valmiki, Ritik Gangwar, Ganesh, Vivek, Gagan Kumar Prajapati, Durgesh Nishad, Naushad Ali, and Meera, the police said.
The espionage racket was busted on March 13. Meera and Suhail were associates for many years. During interrogation, she told the police that she met Suhail through Facebook, after which she joined the group, they said.
According to Nayyar, Meera was arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on charges of arms smuggling in 2025. Meera also claimed that she was an informer for the Mumbai Police.
Naushad Ali told the police that he connected with the other accused via various social media platforms and was directly in touch with Sardar in Pakistan. "He confessed that he conducted a recce of security and police installations and railway stations in Delhi and other states and was forwarding photos and videos," the officer said.
The gang was allegedly operated in India by Suhail alias Romeo, a resident of Nargadhi Nawada in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, the police said.
"He had recruited other members of the gang. He was paying Rs 5,000 for each information. He was receiving funds from Pakistan via Punjab in the accounts of money transfer centres and shopkeepers, so that nobody could doubt the money transactions," Nayyar said.
The detained minor had allegedly installed solar-operated CCTV cameras at Delhi cantonment railway station, the police said.
"The gang was instructed to recruit less educated Hindu minor boys so as to evade suspicion," Additional CP Nayyar said.

India strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrike on a Kabul hospital that reportedly killed over 400 people, calling it a blatant assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace.

India 'unequivocally' condemns Pakistan's 'barbaric' airstrike on Kabul rehab centre

India strongly condemned Pakistan&rsquo;s airstrike on a Kabul hospital that reportedly killed over 400 people, calling it a blatant assault on Afghanistan&rsquo;s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace.

India on Tuesday "unequivocally" condemned Pakistan's "barbaric" airstrike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul and described it as a "blatant assault" on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a threat to regional peace and stability.
In a strong reaction to the last night's attack that reportedly killed over 400 people, New Delhi accused Pakistan of trying to "dress up a massacre as a military operation."
It said the strike reflects Islamabad's persistent pattern of "reckless behaviour" and its repeated attempts to "externalise internal failures."
Afghan media reported that over 400 people were killed and more than 250 others injured in the Pakistani airstrikes on the Omid Addiction Treatment hospital.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India "unequivocally condemns Pakistan's barbaric airstrike" on the hospital in Kabul.
"This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target," it said.
The MEA said Pakistan is now trying to "dress up a massacre as a military operation."
"This heinous act of aggression by Pakistan is also a blatant assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability," it said in a statement.
"It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its repeated attempts to externalize internal failures through increasingly desperate acts of violence beyond its borders," it said.
New Delhi said the international community must hold the perpetrators of the criminal act accountable and ensure that Pakistan's "wanton targeting" of civilians in Afghanistan ceases without delay.
"That this attack was carried out during the holy month of Ramzan, a time of peace, reflection, and mercy among Muslim communities across the world, makes it all the more reprehensible," the MEA said.
"There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients," it said.
The MEA said India extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
India stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this "tragic moment," it said.
"We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan," it added.
The latest Pakistani strikes came as Operation Ghazab lil Haq, launched on February 26, continued, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Pakistan said it launched the military offensive in response to alleged attacks by the Afghan Taliban forces along the 2,600-km-long border.

Pakistan launched air strikes on major Afghan cities including Kabul, escalating border tensions as defence officials described the situation as “open war” following months of clashes.

Pakistan Declares Open War with Afghanistan Following Cross-Border Attack

Pakistan Declares Open War on Afghanistan

Pakistan launched air strikes on major Afghan cities including Kabul, escalating border tensions as defence officials described the situation as &ldquo;open war&rdquo; following months of clashes.

Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the neighbours at "open war" following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
AFP journalists in Kabul and Kandahar heard blasts and jets overhead until dawn, as Pakistan launched air strikes on the Afghan capital and the southern power base of the Taliban authorities.
Pakistan's latest operation came after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night over earlier air strikes by Islamabad.
Relations between the neighbours have plunged in recent months, with land border crossings largely shut since deadly fighting in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.
Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies.
Most of the attacks have been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has stepped up assaults in Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.
"Afghan Taliban defence targets were targeted in Kabul, Paktia (province) and Kandahar," Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar posted on X, while defence minister Khawaja Asif declared an "all-out confrontation" with the Taliban government.
"Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you," he posted on the social media platform.
 - Delicate ceasefire broken -
The overnight strikes mark a "significant and dangerous escalation from earlier clashes", South Asia expert Michael Kugelman said on X.
"Pakistan appears to have expanded its targeting beyond TTP to the Taliban regime itself," he said.
Several rounds of negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but the efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.
After repeated breaches of the initial truce, Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.
Saudi's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, spoke on Friday with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, according to a statement published by Riyadh.
And Iran, which shares an eastern border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Friday offered to help "facilitate dialogue" to resolve the conflict.
Both Afghan and Pakistani militaries said they killed dozens of soldiers in the latest round of border violence, which followed multiple strikes by Islamabad on Afghanistan and clashes along the frontier in recent months.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country's armed forces can "have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions".
 - Jets overhead -
In the Afghan capital AFP journalists heard jets and multiple loud blasts, followed by gunfire, over a period of several hours.
An AFP reporter in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, where Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based, said he heard jets overhead.
Streets in Kabul were quiet after daybreak, in keeping with a Friday during Ramadan in the Muslim-majority nation.
The Taliban authorities had not notably increased the presence of security forces nor checkpoints, AFP journalists across the city said.
The Taliban government confirmed the Pakistani air strikes, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying there were no casualties.
Hours earlier, Mujahid announced "large-scale offensive operations" at the border "in response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military".
The Afghan defence ministry reported eight of its soldiers had been killed in the land offensive.
An Afghan official reported multiple civilians wounded near the Torkham border crossing, at a camp for people returning from Pakistan.
"A mortar shell has hit the camp and unfortunately seven of our refugees have been wounded, and the condition of one woman is serious," said Qureshi Badlun, the information chief in Nangarhar province.
While the border has largely been closed since October, Afghan returnees have been allowed to cross.
 - Months of border violence -
Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesman, told AFP that several Pakistani soldiers had been "caught alive", a claim denied by the prime minister's office in Islamabad.
The military operation follows Pakistani strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces overnight into Sunday, which the UN mission in Afghanistan said killed at least 13 civilians.
Both sides also reported cross-border fire on Tuesday, but without casualties.
Besides military operations, there has been a series of deadly suicide blasts in Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent months.
They included an attack on a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 40 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.
The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul last month.

Pakistan will tour Bangladesh next month for a three-match ODI series on March 11, 13, and 15 at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla stadium as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan to tour Bangladesh next month for 3-match ODI series

Pakistan will tour Bangladesh next month for a three-match ODI series on March 11, 13, and 15 at Dhaka&rsquo;s Sher-e-Bangla stadium as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The Pakistan cricket team will tour Bangladesh next month to play a three-match One-Day International series as part of its preparations for the 2027 50-over World Cup.&nbsp;
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday that the matches would be played on March 11, 13 and 15 at the Shera Bangla stadium in Dhaka. Pakistan last toured Bangladesh in July 2025 for a T20 series which they lost.&nbsp;
Pakistan are also due to tour Bangladesh this year for a two-Test series which is part of the ICC World Test Championship.&nbsp;
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by three African nations -- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s government revoked national hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt’s two-year ban, terming the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s decision illegal and unconstitutional amid ongoing administrative turmoil.

Australia tour fiasco: Pakistan government revokes hockey captain Butt's 2-year ban

Pakistan&rsquo;s government revoked national hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt&rsquo;s two-year ban, terming the Pakistan Hockey Federation&rsquo;s decision illegal and unconstitutional amid ongoing administrative turmoil.

The Pakistan government on Friday revoked national hockey team skipper Ammad Shakeel Butt's two-year ban imposed by the national federation (PHF), terming the step as "illegal and unconstitutional".
Just before resigning from his position as Pakistan Hockey Federation president on Thursday, Tariq Bugti banned Butt for two years for his criticism of the PHF following the skipper's outburst against the mismanagement during the recent Australia tour.
But patron-in-chief, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif-appointed interim president of the PHF Muhuydin Ahmed Wani reversed the decision, stating it was an "illegal and unconstitutional step" by Bugti.
Bugti had resigned on Thursday in the wake of a huge fall out after the national side's return from Australia, where they faced logistical nightmares and had to stay in Airbnb residences despite the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) releasing 10 million rupees to the PHF for five-star hotel accomodation of the team during its FIH Pro League matches in Canberra.
A senior official of the Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry (which looks after all sports related issues) confirmed that Prime Minister Sharif had immediately accepted Bugti's resignation and appointed Wani as ad-hoc president of PHF and Brig Musratullah as Director-General.
Wani is a senior bureaucrat and was secretary of the ministry. "Both will manage hockey affairs on ad-hoc basis and try to repair the damage done," he said.
Soon after the team returned home in early hours of Wednesday, Butt and some other senior players told the waiting media at the airport that they can't work any further with the current management of PHF and the team management.
Butt disclosed how the players were fed lies, threatened to avoid speaking to the media about their problems in Australia, following which Bugti banned Butt for two years from international and domestic hockey for bringing Pakistan hockey into disrepute.
Butt had lambasted the PHF, stating that players were forced "to clean the kitchen and wash dishes" before going out to compete during the tour in which the side lost all its matches of the FIH Pro League against the home team and Germany.
This was after they spent hours on the road after the hotel earmarked for them declined them entry for lack of an advance payment by the PHF, despite the body getting the requisite funds from the PSB.
Butt had also alleged that a majority of the players were yet to get their daily allowances from the PSB and PHF for the last one year.
But Bugti shifted the blame for the fiasco on PSB, insisting that that the Board handled all the arrangements for the tour and was "responsible for whatever happened there".
Pakistan have so far lost all eight of its matches in the FIH Pro League to Netherlands, Argentina, Australia and Germany and are placed last in the nine-team competition.
Pakistan have to travel to Egypt after four months to take part in the final qualifying tournament for the World Cup.

Pakistan face Namibia in a crucial Group A fixture in Colombo, needing a win to boost their Super 8 qualification hopes after a heavy defeat to India.

Pakistan Gears Up for Crucial Match With Namibia Amid Batting Concerns

Pakistan vs Namibia: Crucial Cricket Showdown

Pakistan face Namibia in a crucial Group A fixture in Colombo, needing a win to boost their Super 8 qualification hopes after a heavy defeat to India.

With their backs against the wall, former champions Pakistan will rely on their fragile batting to come good after the jolt against India and seal a Super 8s spot when they face struggling Namibia, in their final league fixture, in Colombo on Wednesday.
In Group A, title favourites India have already sealed their Super 8s berth after their handsome 61-run win over Pakistan the other day.
The second spot is now up for grabs, with the United States having their nose ahead of Pakistan.
Both teams have four points each but Pakistan are behind on Net Run Rate -- Pakistan have a negative NRR of -0.403, while the USA are comfortably placed at 0.788.
Pakistan's equation is simple -- win against the winless Namibia and make the cut as any slip-up could leave them relying on other permutation and combinations.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's campaign has suddenly entered a tense phase after what was meant to be a straightforward progression turned into a battle for survival following the defeat to India.
The spotlight will firmly be on their fragile batting -- including stalwart Babar Azam, openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub and their skipper Agha -- which was exposed in their defeat to India in Colombo.
Former Azam has been under pressure, especially after his seven-ball five against India, with calls for his exclusion growing louder.
After being reduced to 13 for 3 by India's pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, Pakistan's middle order offered no resistance -- worrying sign even against a side like Namibia.
Openers Sahibzada and Ayub, along with the middle order, will also need to show greater application.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi also struggled, claiming just one wicket while conceding over 31 runs in his two overs.
The only bright spot was Ayub, who had India's top order in a spot of bother with his three-wicket haul.
Pakistan's key worry is Afridi's inconsistency; his struggle with rhythm and control was glaring when he leaked 15 runs in the crucial final over, handing India the late momentum.
Against Namibia, Afridi must strike early as removing key batters in the first six overs will let Pakistan dictate the match.
Pakistan's powerplay frailties also remain a worry -- they managed barely 40 runs while losing four wickets in the last game.
Frequent middle-order shuffles have created a muddle, putting late-order acceleration in doubt.
Namibia, though winless in three matches so far, have shown flashes of discipline and tactical awareness.
The smart tactics of their skipper Gerhard Erasmus paid dividends against India when the experienced offspinner cleverly released the ball halfway through his run-up and delivered from well behind the stumps to fox Tilak Varma during his splendid 4/20 spell.
He claimed the prized wickets of Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, and his battle against Pakistan's struggling batters could be a key match-up.
Namibia, often thriving in the underdog role, will look to bow out with pride. If they can drag Pakistan into a low-scoring contest, nerves could once again come into play in what has become a crucial fixture for the 2009 champions.
Left-arm pacer JJ Smuts is also a constant thorn for batsmen, Namibia have the firepower to pull off an upset.
Opening batter Louren Steenkamp has delivered two encouraging knocks, including a half-century, in the previous games, while Jan Nicolaas Frylinck and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton have added much-needed stability to Namibia's top order.
Teams (from):
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Balt, Jack Brassell, Alexander Busing-Volschenk, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green (wk), Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Dylan Leicher, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, JJ Smit, Louren Steenkamp, Ruben Trumpelmann.
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Match starts 3:00 p.m.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, hoping to ease tensions with the BCCI amid recent disputes involving ICC decisions.

BCB Chief Aims to Mend Ties with BCCI at India-Pakistan T20 Clash

BCB Chief Mends Fences with BCCI at T20 Clash

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, hoping to ease tensions with the BCCI amid recent disputes involving ICC decisions.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam says he will be in Colombo to watch the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash on Sunday where he expects to break ice with the BCCI after tense exchanges over the past few weeks.
Speaking to Bangladesh newspaper 'Pratham Alo', Islam said the invitation for the high-profile game has come from the ICC.
"The ICC has taken a decision. The major stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries and for the India-Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be present at the ground together, watch the match together and talk to one another," Islam said.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan form the Asian block in the world body.
Asked if the meet could be an opportunity to end tensions with the BCCI, Islam said, "You can consider it as something like that."
The BCCI-BCB strife started after the Indian Board ordered the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders for unspecified "developments all around."
It was widely speculated that the move was triggered by political violence in Bangladesh in which Hindus have been targeted.
Bangladesh responded by refusing to travel to India for their World Cup matches citing security worries.
However, the ICC, led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, rejected their concerns, describing the threat perception as low to moderate after its own assessment.
Bangladesh were eventually replaced by Scotland in the tournament after refusing to budge from their position despite lengthy discussions with the world body.
Their omission led to the Pakistan government announcing a boycott of the game against India as an expression of solidarity with Bangladesh.
But the impasse was resolved after the BCB and the Sri Lankan government persuaded Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the call.
Following another round of discussions, the ICC decided not to penalise BCB for its previous stance and also allotted one ICC event to Bangladesh in the 2028-2031 cycle.
Islam said the board will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that the assurances are cast in stone.
"We will also enter into an agreement. The agreement will be line by line, an MoU-type document, so that there is no uncertainty," said Islam.
"You know that earlier when we held the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, a similar issue arose. There as well, we prepared a MoU-type document so that no one could ever deviate from the contract in any way.
"Similar discussions (regarding preparing the MoU) with the ICC are more or less finalised," he added.

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul said the decision to skip T20 World Cup matches in India was taken by the Cricket Board and players to protect national dignity, as the ICC decided not to impose sanctions.

Bangladesh sports advisor takes u-turn on World Cup boycott, says decision was for 'national dignity'

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul said the decision to skip T20 World Cup matches in India was taken by the Cricket Board and players to protect national dignity, as the ICC decided not to impose sanctions.

Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Nazrul, who had insisted that the country's refusal to play its T20 World Cup matches in India was driven by his government's security concerns, now says that the decision was taken by the Cricket Board and the players to "protect national dignity".&nbsp;
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after the ICC declined the country's request of shifting its share of games to Sri Lanka. However, the world body has decided against penalising the nation for its stance.&nbsp;
Nazrul took centre-stage during the failed negotiations with the ICC prior to the team's ouster and had insisted that it was the Bangladesh government's prerogative to not send the team out of security worries.&nbsp;
"There is no question of regret (not playing the World Cup). This decision was taken by the BCB and the players as they made sacrifices for the safety of the country's cricket, the safety of the people and to protect national dignity," Asif was quoted as saying by 'Cricbuzz' on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Last month, Nazrul, after talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the players, had taken a hard-line position. "I think we did not get justice from ICC. Whether we will play in the World Cup or not is entirely a government decision," he had asserted on January 22.&nbsp;
In the aftermath of their ouster, Pakistan had announced a boycott of the game against India to show solidarity with Bangladesh. However, that impasse was resolved after hectic negotiations that also involved the BCB.&nbsp;
Bangladesh, while expressing gratitude towards Pakistan, asked them to show up for the match against India in the larger interest of the game. The Pakistan government eventually withdrew the boycott call.&nbsp;
"The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered for hosting an international tournament. This is a brilliant achievement. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board," Nazrul said.&nbsp;

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has downplayed the hype around the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, calling it a normal match while expressing confidence after his team’s strong start.

Farhan: India Clash Just Another Match, Pakistan Uplifted

Farhan on India Clash: Just Another Match for Us

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has downplayed the hype around the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, calling it a normal match while expressing confidence after his team&rsquo;s strong start.

Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan has played down the hype surrounding Sunday's T20 World Cup clash against bitter foes India, calling it a "normal match" although the mindset of his team will be "different" from previous games.
Pakistan sit atop Group A with back-to-back wins over the Netherlands and the USA. Even though the victory against the Dutch team was a narrow one, Pakistan looked quite assured in their 32-run triumph over the Americans last night in which Farhan smashed a 41-ball 73 to be deservedly adjudged the player of the match.
During the post-match media briefing, the opener fielded queries on the game against India that is finally on after his government withdrew its boycott call.
"See, when you win two matches and are at the top of the table, you feel confident. The upcoming match is not such a big deal, we're not playing against them for the first time," he responded when asked about team's mindset.
"We've played before and this time we'll play with a different mindset. You've seen us...You must have seen that Shadab (Khan) is making runs, (Mohammad) Nawaz is scoring runs. So hopefully you will enjoy our game against them," he said.
"It's a normal match. We'll play like a normal match. We won't put it in our head that this is an India-Pakistan match, it is a normal match and we will play it like a normal match," he added.
The India-Pakistan tensions, which peeked after the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, have spilled on to the cricket field as well.
The two sides played out tense games during the Asia Cup, all of them won by India, including the final.
India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav had stated that given his team's dominance in recent years, he no longer considers the rivalry against Pakistan an evenly-matched one.
Farhan disagreed with that assessment.
"No, I think the way we played in the last Asia Cup, we didn't play one-sided. We played and fought till the end. We didn't play a one-sided match till then and hopefully this time we'll play a wonderful game," he asserted.
On whether he has any specific plans in place to tackle India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Farhan said, "I think when you make runs you are confident. I am also very confident and the way the last two innings have gone, I'm very confident."

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the United States in Parliament, saying Washington exploited Islamabad for strategic gains and left lasting social, political and economic damage.

Khawaja Asif says US used Pakistan 'worse than toilet paper,' admits long-term damage

Pakistan&rsquo;s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the United States in Parliament, saying Washington exploited Islamabad for strategic gains and left lasting social, political and economic damage.

Pakistan&rsquo;s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly criticised the United States for what he described as exploiting Islamabad for strategic gains and abandoning it once its objectives were achieved, telling Parliament that Pakistan was treated &ldquo;worse than toilet paper.&rdquo;
Addressing lawmakers, Asif reflected on Pakistan&rsquo;s repeated alignment with Washington, particularly after 1999 in connection with Afghanistan, and said those decisions had caused long-term damage that the country continues to face.
He described the pursuit of US backing as a serious miscalculation whose consequences have stretched across decades. &ldquo;Pakistan was treated worse than a toilet paper and was used for a purpose and then thrown away,&rdquo; he said in Parliament.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Khwaja Asif admits in Parliament that Pakistan rented itself out to the U.S. for war and was later discarded &ldquo;like toilet paper&rdquo;. Afghanistan was destroyed by policies now openly acknowledged in parliament. Millions suffered. Generations were lost. The world cannot look away now&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/aEQjrm16ME">pic.twitter.com/aEQjrm16ME</a>
&mdash; Mariam Solaimankhil (@Mariamistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariamistan/status/2021264302884388928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Challenging long-standing official narratives, the defence minister rejected claims that Pakistan&rsquo;s involvement in the Afghanistan conflict was driven by religious duty. He admitted that Pakistanis were mobilised and sent to fight under the banner of jihad, calling the framing misleading and destructive.
Asif said the country&rsquo;s education system was also reshaped to legitimise these wars, adding that several ideological changes introduced at the time remain embedded to this day.
Referring to the anti-Soviet war in Afghanistan during the 1980s, he argued that the conflict was dictated by American geopolitical interests rather than any genuine religious imperative, insisting that the circumstances never warranted a declaration of jihad.
The defence minister noted that Pakistan&rsquo;s participation in conflicts that were not its own had produced long-term instability and caused severe social damage that has yet to be fully undone.
He also spoke about the impact of Pakistan&rsquo;s realignment with the US after the September 11, 2001 attacks, describing the costs as devastating. Asif accused former military rulers Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf of entangling Pakistan in external wars, leaving the country to absorb the fallout long after its allies moved on.
Referring to the post-2001 period, he said Pakistan turned against the Taliban to support the US-led war on terror, only for Washington to eventually withdraw while Pakistan remained mired in violence, radicalisation and economic strain.
The defence minister blamed the United States for much of the instability the country continues to face as a result of siding with Washington during that period.
&ldquo;The losses we suffered can never be compensated,&rdquo; Asif said, describing those decisions as irreversible mistakes that reduced Pakistan to a pawn in conflicts driven by others.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for withdrawing the boycott, allowing the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo to proceed.

Sri Lanka President thanks Pakistan PM for India match boycott withdrawal

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for withdrawing the boycott, allowing the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo to proceed.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has thanked Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for directing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to end the boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo on February 15.&nbsp;
The India-Pakistan match will go ahead as scheduled after Pakistan's government decided to withdraw its boycott call following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ending an impasse that cast a shadow on the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;
"Delighted that the eagerly awaited India Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 cricket World Cup in Colombo will go ahead," Dissanayake said on X platform.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMShehbaz</a> for ensuring the game we all love goes on. Delighted that the eagerly awaited India and Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned. As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> and all&hellip;
&mdash; Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) <a href="https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake/status/2020928822288490780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Dissanayake had called Sharif Monday night to convince him to play the game following the Sri Lanka Cricket letter addressed to PCB to change its decision.&nbsp;
Pakistan PM's office acknowledged Dissanayake's call in the government release which effectively ended the match boycott by his country.&nbsp;
Pakistan had earlier said they would not play the India match, which was seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.&nbsp;

The ICC announced no penalty for the Bangladesh Cricket Board over its refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India, citing dialogue, neutrality, and future hosting commitments.

ICC not to sanction Bangladesh for refusal to play T20 World Cup in India

The ICC announced no penalty for the Bangladesh Cricket Board over its refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India, citing dialogue, neutrality, and future hosting commitments.

The ICC on Monday said it would not be imposing any penalty on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India.&nbsp;
The world governing body said it made the decision after a dialogue with the BCB as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board, which announced a boycott of the February 15 game against India to show its solidarity with Bangladesh.
"It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter," the ICC said in a statement. "It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The International Cricket Council, Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board have concluded an open, constructive and congenial dialogue. Media Release: <a href="https://t.co/gLDIjB3JOp">https://t.co/gLDIjB3JOp</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/2020916613462229482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The ICC said its "approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment."
Bangladesh had refused to travel to India for the ongoing mega-event citing security worries and were replaced by Scotland.
The world body also said that as part of an understanding, Bangladesh will also host an ICC Event between 2028 and 2031. "As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements."
ICC said the move "reflects confidence in Bangladesh&rsquo;s capability as a host and reinforces the ICC&rsquo;s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the country."
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said: "Bangladesh&rsquo;s absence from the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC&rsquo;s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.
"Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.
"Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.&rdquo;
BCB president Aminul Islam had travelled to Pakistan on Sunday for discussions, including a virtual meeting with the ICC and the PCB, amid efforts to resolve the standoff.
In a statement issued in Dhaka earlier in the day, Islam said he had requested Pakistan to end its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, during his meeting with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore.
"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 eco system," he said.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Naqvi had reached out to Islam and requested that he make a formal appeal to Pakistan.
"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," a source aware of the development said.
PCB chief Naqvi on Monday said a final decision on whether Pakistan would boycott the match against India would be clear within the next 24 hours, acknowledging hectic deliberations with the ICC that also involved his Bangladesh counterpart Islam.
The trigger for Bangladesh's refusal to play in India was the release of their pacer Mustafziur Rahman from the KKR squad on BCCI's instructions.
ICC reaffirms BCB's position as a valued Full Member
The ICC said it has concluded an "an open, constructive and congenial dialogue" with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It said the dialogue covered several matters, including but not limited to the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia.
"While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team&rsquo;s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup, the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCB's position as a valued Full Member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game.
"The ICC also reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket&rsquo;s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in ICC Men's T20 World Cup does not have any long-term effects on Cricket in the country," the world body said.
It said the dialogue reflected a forward-looking alignment reached in good faith and intended to provide clarity on the current position of the stakeholders.
"They do not alter, qualify or detract from the ICC&rsquo;s constitutional autonomy, governance framework or established decision-making processes, all of which remain fully applicable," said the ICC.
"The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other Members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport. All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity."

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to finalize whether the cricket team will boycott the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India, following ICC-PCB discussions and government involvement.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to take final call on India-Pakistan T20 WC match stand-off

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to finalize whether the cricket team will boycott the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India, following ICC-PCB discussions and government involvement.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to request his Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India after being requested to do so by his Bangladesh counterpart, a PCB source has revealed.
Naqvi is set to brief Sharif on the latest developments on the issue later on Monday. The game against India is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
"Naqvi will brief the PM on the communications he has had with the Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and Emirates cricket boards and with the ICC on the crisis," the source said.
Bangladesh Cricket Board President, Amin ul Islam was in Lahore for the talks Naqvi had with Imran Khawaja, vice chairman and independent director of the ICC, on Sunday.
Sri Lanka and Emirates board have both urged the country to review its decision and the PCB source confirmed that Islam, while appreciating the support Pakistan has shown for Bangladesh cricket, also requested Naqvi to end the boycott.
He said that Naqvi is likely to ask the PM to permit the team to play India in the World Cup in view of the discussion and appeals from Sri Lanka, Emirates and Bangladesh boards. However, the final decision rests with Sharif and the PCB would abide by it.
The source said that during talks with Khawaja, Naqvi had raised a number of issues. "He questioned Khawaja if the ICC had kept quiet if the Pakistan team had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy at the presentation from any Indian board official," the source said.
The trophy lies locked at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai after Naqvi, who currently heads the body, made it clear that only he would carry out the presentation formalities in full media glare.
Bangladesh were ousted from the World Cup after refusing to play in India citing security concerns.

Pakistan faces USA in a high-stakes T20 World Cup rematch in Colombo, aiming to recover from past defeat, with both sides seeking stronger batting and pressure handling in the evening game.

Pakistan Seeks Redemption Against USA in T20 World Cup Clash

Pakistan vs USA: T20 World Cup Showdown

Pakistan faces USA in a high-stakes T20 World Cup rematch in Colombo, aiming to recover from past defeat, with both sides seeking stronger batting and pressure handling in the evening game.

An unpredictable Pakistan will look to exorcise ghosts of the past when they meet a determined USA, 20 months after being handed an infamous defeat by the same opponents, in the T20 World Cup in Colombo on Tuesday.
During their World Cup debut in 2024, USA announced their arrival on the big stage with a memorable victory over the Pakistanis. Having lost to India in the 2026 opener, USA would be extra motivated for an encore against Pakistan in an evening game at the Sinhalese Sports Club here.
Both teams have work cut out on the batting front. Pakistan were cruising in their chase of 148 against The Netherlands before a suicidal middle-order collapse. Thanks to Faheem Ashraf, they got over the line but would be thoroughly shaken by the implosion. USA had defending champions India under pressure at the Wankhede but their batters could not complement an impressive bowling performance.
For Pakistan, Babar Azam will be under the scanner having made a comeback in the shortest format. More from the bat will be expected from opener Saim Ayub as well. Ayub has been more productive as a spinner in the recent past. Captain Salman Ali Agha feels his players need to handle pressure better than how they did against The Netherlands.
"We batted really well. And then they managed to pull wickets down. And then at that time, the pressure came in. And I think we need to absorb pressure better when it comes to these kinds of games. It's not easy to start, but once you get in, it's a good wicket to bat on. When someone gets in, we need to make sure that person will finish," said Agha, who also needs to deliver with the bat after his move up the order.
USA will be looking for an improved batting effort at the top of the order. By captain Monank Patel's own admission, they were guilty of playing loose shots in the powerplay against India. Monank too fell to a soft dismissal. Led by South Africa-born Shadley Van Schalkwyk, they had a good night with the ball. However, senior pacer Saurabh Netravalkar had an opening game to forget and would be itching to make an impact against Pakistan.
USA practised in Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC event and are familiar with the conditions. Question marks remain over the fitness of their pacer Ali Khan who limped off the field against India.
"I thought the intent (with the bat) was a bit missing there because we lost a few wickets initially. But a lot of learning from this game and a lot of positives. And definitely this game is going to help us in running forward," said Monank following the loss to India.
Squads: USA: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Match starts 7 PM.

A resolution on the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match boycott is expected within hours after ICC, PCB, and BCB officials held talks in Lahore, according to Pakistan media reports.

Breakthrough expected soon in India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match standoff

A resolution on the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match boycott is expected within hours after ICC, PCB, and BCB officials held talks in Lahore, according to Pakistan media reports.

A resolution to the standoff over the India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected soon following high-level discussions involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), according to reports in Pakistani media.
Pakistan media outlets reported that the dispute is likely to be resolved through mutual consultation within the next 24 hours. Geo TV stated that the PCB is set to consult the Pakistan government for clear guidance on the issue, after which a formal announcement is expected.
An ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, along with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB President Aminul Islam, met in Lahore on Sunday to discuss Pakistan&rsquo;s decision to boycott the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, scheduled to be played on February 15 in Colombo.
According to Pakistani media reports, the lengthy negotiations have concluded, and a roadmap for resolving the dispute has been finalised between Imran Khawaja, Mohsin Naqvi, and Aminul Islam. The matter is expected to be settled through mutual consultation in the &ldquo;next few hours&rdquo;.
The latest development follows an announcement by the official X handle of the Pakistan government stating that the Men in Green would not take the field for the February 15 clash. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later linked the boycott to the controversy involving Bangladesh, describing it as a symbol of solidarity.
Earlier, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup after their request to play all matches outside India was not accepted by the ICC. The request was reportedly made following the removal of Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the squad on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid concerns related to atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the ICC is understood to have asked the PCB to demonstrate the steps it had taken to mitigate the &lsquo;Force Majeure&rsquo; situation, as required under the Members Participation Agreement (MPA). According to ESPNCricinfo, the ICC received an email from the PCB citing government orders as the reason for its proposed boycott. The communication was sent less than 10 days before the start of the tournament.
The ICC is also believed to have laid out detailed conditions under which &lsquo;Force Majeure&rsquo; can be legitimately invoked, including the evidentiary threshold for non-participation, as well as the sporting, commercial, and governance implications of such a move.
The global governing body has reportedly informed the PCB about the potential material damage it could suffer if the match does not take place. While the ICC is keen to avoid confrontation, its constitution allows for the suspension or termination of membership in cases of serious breaches of obligations.
The PCB, however, believes that it has a strong case if the dispute escalates. Officials have reportedly referred to a previous dispute with the BCCI that was taken to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) over a bilateral series.
The dispute related to allegations that the BCCI failed to honour a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two boards to play six bilateral series between 2013 and 2015. Although the PCB lost its claim for damages, it maintains that the Indian government&rsquo;s refusal to grant permission for the series at the time sets a precedent, according to ESPNCricinfo.
With consultations continuing among the ICC, PCB, and BCB, stakeholders are hopeful that a final decision on the high-profile India-Pakistan clash will be announced in the coming hours.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi met ICC and Bangladesh officials in Lahore as talks intensified to resolve the standoff over Pakistan’s proposed boycott of the India match in the T20 World Cup.

PCB chief Naqvi meets BCB president Aminul and ICC deputy chair Khwaja in Lahore

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi met ICC and Bangladesh officials in Lahore as talks intensified to resolve the standoff over Pakistan&rsquo;s proposed boycott of the India match in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday met his Bangladesh counterpart Aminul Islam and ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja in Lahore, even as efforts to resolve the standoff over Pakistan's proposed boycott of the high stakes T20 World Cup match against India gather pace.
The meeting, images of which were released by the PCB, took place at the Gaddafi Stadium. Khwaja arrived in Lahore for talks with PCB officials amid growing indications that the deadlock over the high-profile February 15 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in Colombo could be resolved, paving the way for the match to go ahead.
Khwaja, who represents Singapore in the ICC, is an influential figure in the world governing body and has voting rights on the board as an associate member director. A source close to the PCB confirmed Khwaja has been nominated by the ICC board as a mediator on the controversial subject.
"He has been in talks with Mohsin Naqvi for a while now and he is reaching Lahore today to first talk to the PCB chief and also the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President, Aminul Islam," the source said.
Aminul is expected to be part of the discussions aimed at persuading Pakistan to reconsider its decision not to play India in the World Cup. The two officials -- Khwaja and Aminul -- were greeted at the airport by senior PCB officials and then driven to the Gaddafi Stadium.
A PCB source said that Khwaja and Aminul, after their discussion with Naqvi, will have a meeting with some ICC governing board members virtually later Sunday. The source said the ICC was doing its best to convince PCB to get permission from its government for the February 15 match.
Aminul reached Lahore ahead of Khwaja and his presence is significant because the dispute between the PCB and ICC began because of the apex body's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to play their World Cup matches in India citing security reasons.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recently said that Pakistan's decision to not play against India was taken to show solidarity with Bangladesh, whose request to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka was rejected by the ICC.
Naqvi has not commented much on the instructions from the government to boycott the India match but a reliable source said the situation has changed after the Sri Lankan cricket board sent an email to the PCB, urging them to end the boycott.
ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta has also been to Colombo to meet with the President of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Shammi Silva who sent the email to Naqvi to play the India match in the World Cup.
The ICC has already sought an explanation from Pakistan on how the 'Force Majeure' clause can be invoked to justify the team's refusal to play the T20 World Cup match against India after the PCB tried to wriggle out of the situation by putting the onus on its government.
But there is a glimmer of hope now as PCB has approached the ICC for deliberations, as per an ICC Director, who feels that the marquee clash will eventually take place.
The ICC is currently engaging with the board in a structured manner to explore possible resolutions, with a view that the interest of the game must supersede unilateral action.
Sri Lanka Cricket has warned PCB to reconsider its decision citing huge financial losses for all stakeholders.
The trigger for Bangladesh's withdrawal was the release of their pacer Mustafziur Rahman from the KKR squad on BCCI's instructions.

A suicide bomber targets Khadijatul Kubra Shia mosque in Islamabad, killing 31 and injuring nearly 170. Attacker linked to TTP; security forces and hospitals respond to the emergency.

31 killed, 169 injured in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad

A suicide bomber targets Khadijatul Kubra Shia mosque in Islamabad, killing 31 and injuring nearly 170. Attacker linked to TTP; security forces and hospitals respond to the emergency.

A suicide bomber blew himself up at a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, killing at least 31 people and injuring nearly 170 others, officials said.
The powerful explosion took place at Khadijatul Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, the police said in a statement. The suicide bomber was stopped at the gate of the imambargah, but he detonated himself, police and eyewitnesses said.
At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured in the explosion, a district administration spokesperson said in a post on X. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast. However, police sources said that the attacker was a foreign national and had links with Fitna al Khwaraji, a term used for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In a post on X, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon earlier said that more than 80 people were injured in the blast, while 15 bodies were shifted to different hospitals.
Police and Rescue 1122 personnel reached the site of the incident and initiated rescue operations. The army troops and Rangers have cordoned off the area, and security operations are underway in and around the site of the blast.
An emergency was declared in the hospitals of the capital to deal with the situation, as the injured were being shifted to hospitals. The attack came less than three months after a suicide bomber killed 12 people in a blast outside a district and sessions court building in Islamabad.
Today's attack came when Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was visiting Pakistan. He arrived on a two-day state visit on Thursday.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas condemned the attack. &ldquo;Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,&rdquo; Zardari said.
Strongly condemning the attack, Abbas said that targeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
According to police officials, the nature of the explosion was being probed, but the explosion seems to be a suicide attack.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad and met the injured.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry strongly condemned the attack in a post on social media platform X, expressing grief over the loss of lives in the &ldquo;cowardly act&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Such acts of terrorism cannot dampen the morale of the nation. The need of the hour is that we all stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and express solidarity with law enforcement agencies,&rdquo; the minister stressed.
Chaudhry is a native of Islamabad and belongs to the area where the blast occurred.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav says team will travel to Colombo for ICC T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, despite Pakistan government boycotting the match.

'Our flight is booked, we are going there': Suryakumar on India's T20WC match against Pak

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav says team will travel to Colombo for ICC T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, despite Pakistan government boycotting the match.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday said his team will travel to Colombo for its ICC T20 World Cup match against Pakistan even though the neighbouring country has announced a boycott of the game.&nbsp;
India are scheduled to face the arch-rivals in February 15 but Pakistan's cricket team has been told by its government to skip the game after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play in India on account of "security concerns".&nbsp;
"I feel their decision is not in my control. I wish I could take their decisions call but it is their call. We had played in the Asia Cup as well and we played them three times," Suryakumar said during the pre-tournament captains' press meet in Mumbai.&nbsp;
The World Cup begins on Saturday and India will take on USA in its opening match on the same evening.&nbsp;
"Our mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no (to playing against Pakistan). They have. ICC has given the fixture. Our flight is booked and we are going there (to Colombo)," "The team discussion is that we are playing first on February 7, then we will go there," he added.&nbsp;
"We played some good cricket against them. We have been told that the game is on 15th, the game is at a neutral venue and if we get an opportunity we will play. It's a difficult call for them (Pakistani players) as well," he observed.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the decision to skip the T20 World Cup match against India, calling it a considered move in support of Bangladesh.

Decision to boycott India game appropriate, we're with Bangladesh: Pak PM Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the decision to skip the T20 World Cup match against India, calling it a considered move in support of Bangladesh.

Calling Pakistan's boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India an "appropriate decision, the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that it was a "considered stance" to support Bangladesh.
Pakistan's cricket team has been told by the government to skip the February 15 game in Colombo after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play its games in India on account of "security concerns".
"We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won't play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field,&rdquo; Sharif stated after a government meeting in Karachi.
"We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision. We are with Bangladesh," he added.
In response, Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul posted "Thank You, Pakistan" on his official Facebook page, while quoting Sharif's statement.
A livid ICC has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of serious consequences if it fails to show up for the high-profile match, which is a money magnet at the big event for sponsors, broadcasters and advertisers.
The world body has hoped that the PCB will "consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of."
Pakistan has reached Colombo for its other preliminary engagements, starting with a game against the Netherlands on Saturday.
The country's cricket board has already made it clear that it supports the government's position and would go by its advice even if a rematch against India crops up during the knockout stage.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had stated that the decision to drop Bangladesh was not fair and their security concerns should have been addressed.
The ICC's security assessment of Indian venues had placed the threat perception for Bangladesh in the low to moderate category.
Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for its share of matches came after its pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL on BCCI's instructions.
The Indian Board did not specify the reasons but it came amid increased attacks on Hindus there.

pakistan

Categories