NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has put an end to speculation over a potential pullout by finalising its travel plans for the T20 World Cup. Sources close to the board revealed on Thursday that the squad is scheduled to fly to Colombo early on February 2, effectively shutting down any talk of a boycott - either of the tournament itself or the high-profile clash against India slated for February 15.

"The PCB has already made travel arrangements for the World Cup squad to leave early morning on February 2 for Colombo," he said.

The source further said that while the PCB had openly backed the Bangladesh Cricket Board over its stated security concerns about touring India, it was limited in how far it could go without risking its own standing within the ICC.

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It was also pointed out that the BCCI, PCB and the ICC are bound by a tripartite arrangement, under which all India-Pakistan matches at ICC events up to 2027 are to be held at neutral venues.

"Keep in mind Pakistan's entire World Cup schedule is in Sri Lanka, including the final if they qualify. So on what grounds can they boycott the tournament or the match against India?" he asked.

The PCB is expected to formally confirm its participation on Friday. While sections of the media have speculated about a possible withdrawal from the tournament or a refusal to face India, an insider brushed aside such claims, describing them as unfounded rumours.

"When the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, he made it clear that all options under consideration should ensure a stable and prosperous future for Pakistan cricket and maintain good relations with the ICC and member boards," the insider said.

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He added that the speculation lacked logic and failed to explain on what grounds the PCB could skip the World Cup or boycott the India match.

"The Indian government has said no to its team playing in Pakistan, but there is no bar on India playing Pakistan in Asia Cup-level events or in ICC events at neutral venues," he said.

"So how will Pakistan justify boycotting the match against India when its government has always claimed politics should not be mixed with sports?" he asked.

(With PTI Inputs)