NEW DELHI: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will be in Colombo for Sunday’s Pakistan-India T20 World Cup showdown, with his trip also expected to feature discussions with ICC officials after a brief boycott episode that put the marquee fixture in doubt.

A source said senior PCB officials, including Pakistan Super League CEO Salman Naseer and Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed, will accompany Naqvi to Sri Lanka for the Group A encounter scheduled for the evening at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

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“The Sri Lankan board has invited officials from other boards as well but the reason for Naqvi going is to have discussions with ICC Chairman, Jay Shah and other officials on the sidelines to break the ice after the boycott fiasco,” the source said.

Boycott Row and Diplomatic Engagement

Relations between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan had come under strain earlier this month after the Pakistan government instructed its team not to play the India match in Colombo. The move was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which had declined to travel to India for its World Cup matches citing security concerns.

Bangladesh were later replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament lineup.

Following days of intensive engagement involving the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the PCB, Pakistan eventually reversed its decision and confirmed participation in the high-stakes clash against India.

Possible Ice-Breaker in Colombo

The source added that senior officials from the Indian and Bangladesh boards are also expected to be present in Colombo, raising the possibility of an impromptu meeting with ICC Chairman Jay Shah and other key officials on the sidelines.

Before departing for Colombo, Naqvi reportedly met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to discuss the current cricketing situation and Pakistan’s policy towards the ICC and other member boards.

“Naqvi will be in a position to have productive talks in Colombo having gotten clearance from the Premier,” the source said.

Pakistan had earlier withdrawn its boycott call after Naqvi held talks last Sunday in Lahore with Bangladesh counterpart Aminul Islam Bulbul and ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja.

(With PTI Inputs)