Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India will renew their storied rivalry on Sunday (today) in a high-stakes Group &lsquo;A&rsquo; encounter of the T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium.&nbsp;The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM (PST) and has already&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/indiapakistan-hottest-ticket-in-cricket-sparks-t20-world-cup-fever" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 105, 176);" rel="noopener noreferrer">generated massive anticipation</a>, with the 35,000-capacity stadium sold out. Millions more are expected to tune in worldwide.<div class="fr-embed youtube-embed" style="line-height: 2;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bnE2TvkELRQ" title="Pakistani fans share bold expectations ahead of Pakistan vs India World Cup clash" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>Qualification on the lineBoth teams have made a strong start to their campaign, securing two wins each and collecting four points. A victory on Sunday will guarantee a place in the Super Eight stage. Even in the event of a washout, both sides would move to five points and confirm qualification.&nbsp;India, the defending champions, have defeated Namibia and the United States in their opening fixtures. Pakistan, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-always-ready-for-india-despite-late-green-light-agha" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 105, 176);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Salman Ali Agha</a><a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-always-ready-for-india-despite-late-green-light-agha" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 105, 176);" rel="noopener noreferrer">,</a> also registered back-to-back wins and will be aiming to maintain momentum in the tournament&rsquo;s most anticipated clash.&nbsp;Key players to watchFor Pakistan, spinner Usman Tariq has emerged as a potential game-changer after his impressive display against the USA. The pace battery, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, will also be central to Pakistan&rsquo;s plans against India&rsquo;s in-form batting line-up.&nbsp;India will rely on skipper Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who recently became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a half-century in a T20 World Cup match. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy remain key threats with the ball.&nbsp;Head-to-head recordSince the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, India have largely dominated their encounters with Pakistan on cricket&rsquo;s biggest T20 stage. Out of eight meetings between the two sides in the tournament&rsquo;s history, India have emerged victorious seven times, while Pakistan have managed just one win, underlining India&rsquo;s consistent upper hand in this high-profile rivalry. &nbsp;Weather watchRain could play a role in Sunday&rsquo;s contest. Forecasts indicate a 50 to 70% chance of showers in Colombo, particularly in the evening. However, the Premadasa Stadium is equipped with an advanced drainage system and extensive ground covers, allowing play to resume within 45 to 60 minutes after rainfall stops. An additional 60 minutes of extra time is also available if required.&nbsp;Where to watch live?&nbsp;The match will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and Geo Super in Pakistan, while digital streaming will be available on platforms including Myco, Tapmad and Tamasha.&nbsp;With regional pride, qualification, and momentum at stake, another gripping chapter in cricket&rsquo;s greatest rivalry is set to unfold under Colombo&rsquo;s lights. SquadsPakistan: Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.&nbsp;India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Pakistan bowlers Shadab Khan (left), Shaheen Shah Afridi (center) and Usman Tariq interact during a training session at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. (File photo: PCB)

Cricket

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq emerges as a potential game-changer after his impressive display against the USA.

Pakistan, India set for decisive T20 World Cup showdown

ISLAMABAD: US Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pommersheim on Saturday concluded a five-day visit to Pakistan aimed at strengthening cooperation on economic growth and shared security interests, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy. &ldquo;The United States is forging new partnerships, championing innovation, and defining a new era of diplomacy that will carry us forward for the next 250 years,&rdquo; the statement said. &nbsp; The visit comes as both countries seek to deepen engagement in trade, investment, and emerging technology sectors. During his stay, Pommersheim met senior Pakistani civilian and military representatives, including Director General of Military Operations Major General Kashif Abdullah and Director General of Military Intelligence Major General Wajid Aziz Khan. He also held meetings with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Minister of IT and Telecommunications Shaza Khawaja. &ldquo;DAS Pommersheim recognized Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing economic reforms efforts under the IMF program,&rdquo; the statement added. In Islamabad, the US official attended the launch of Pakistan&rsquo;s Indus AI Week, where he expressed support for expanding partnerships in the digital and IT sectors. Later in Lahore, Pommersheim attended Basant celebrations, &ldquo;experiencing Pakistan&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage firsthand&rdquo; according to the US Embassy. &nbsp; He met Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to discuss U.S. business engagement with Punjab and promote Pakistani investment in the United States. &nbsp; The statement concluded that his discussions with Pakistani officials underscored &ldquo;the importance of expanding trade and investment, including the AI, IT, energy, and critical minerals and mining sectors&rdquo; between both countries.

Culture

Foreign Affairs

US Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim concludes a five-day Pakistan visit, meeting civilian and military leaders, supporting AI and IT partnerships, encouraging economic reforms, and promoting expanded trade and cooperation between both countries.

'US wants ties with Pakistan for next 250 years’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, expressed cautious optimism during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in Syria on Friday regarding recent developments, while underscoring the complexity of the challenges facing the country. Ambassador Iftikhar welcomed the 30 January agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), voicing hope that its faithful implementation would bring stability and strengthen Syria&rsquo;s unity and territorial integrity.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 767px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2022517880252772697&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=1dfd8a62c6207cbc21c0529808556923ad9aba06&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2022517880252772697">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>He noted that over the past 14 months, notable steps have been taken to advance Syria&rsquo;s political transition.&nbsp; Although gradual and intricate, these measures reflect movement toward stabilization after years of conflict. He emphasized the importance of continuing this trajectory in a steady and inclusive manner, anchored in national ownership, reinforcing state institutions, consolidating security and creating conditions conducive to durable peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Constructive steps&nbsp;In this context, Ambassador Iftikhar also appreciated recent state initiatives, including the 16 January presidential decree concerning the rights of the Kurdish community, describing them as constructive steps toward national cohesion. At the same time, Ambassador Iftikhar stressed that significant challenges persist.&nbsp; He warned that the threat of terrorism remains acute, citing the continued presence and activities of terrorist groups, including foreign terrorist fighters, especially ETIM, as serious risks to Syria&rsquo;s stability and regional security.&nbsp; He called for these elements to be addressed in a coordinated and effective manner, consistent with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.&nbsp; Counter-terrorism efforts, he said, must remain precise and focused, without conflating state institutions with non-state actors, and detention facilities holding terrorists must be managed and transitioned responsibly to prevent instability or spillover.&nbsp;Humanitarian situation&nbsp;He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with millions of Syrians in need of sustained assistance as infrastructure, basic services, and livelihoods remain under severe strain.&nbsp; Ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, alongside enhanced early recovery support, he said, is essential to alleviate suffering and restore dignity.&nbsp; With the lifting of sanctions, he noted, there is an opportunity to gradually shift toward revitalizing economic and commercial activity to enable meaningful recovery. Ambassador Iftikhar strongly condemned violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and other destabilizing actions by Israel, calling them unacceptable.&nbsp; He stressed the need for full respect for existing agreements and for Syria&rsquo;s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the Council to ensure Israel&rsquo;s full withdrawal from occupied Syrian territory in compliance with its resolutions. Reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s solidarity with the Government and people of Syria, he said the country would continue to engage constructively in support of a stable, unified, and sovereign Syria.&nbsp;

Ambassador Iftikhar welcomes the 30 January agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), voicing hope that its faithful implementation will bring stability and strengthen Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. 

Pakistan welcomes Syria-SDF Agreement, urges inclusive political transition

ISLAMABAD: US Assistant Secretary of State S Paul Kapur told a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee that Pakistan remains an important regional partner for the United States, highlighting expanding economic engagement, cooperation on critical minerals, and ongoing security and counter-terrorism collaboration. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-to-join-usled-global-initiative-on-critical-minerals" style="color:#0073e6;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;is another important partner in the region. We are working together with Pakistan to realize the potential of its critical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-minister-reaffirms-commitment-to-making-gwadar-global-trade-hub" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">mineral resources</a>, combining US government seed financing with private sector know-how to the benefit both of our countries,&rdquo; he told the sub-committee. Referring to broader economic engagement, Kapur said: &ldquo;Our trade in energy and agriculture is expanding as well.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m_tVRiI9PzA" title="South Asia: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Region" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div> He also pointed to continued security cooperation between the two countries, adding: &ldquo;And our ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation helps Pakistan combat internal security threats while addressing transnational dangers that can harm the US or our partners.&rdquo;

“Pakistan is another important partner in the region," says US Assistant Secretary of State S Paul Kapur. "We are working together with Pakistan to realize the potential of its critical mineral resources, combining US government seed financing with private sector know-how to the benefit both of our countries,”

US working to realize Pakistan’s critical minerals potential, official tells Congress

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s auto industry began 2026 on a strong footing, with vehicle sales reaching their highest monthly level in nearly four years, according to data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) on Tuesday. Total sales of cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), vans and jeeps rose to 23,055 units in January, marking a 43-month high. The figure shows a 35.5% increase compared to 17,010 units sold in January last year. On a month-on-month basis, sales surged 73.6% from December&rsquo;s tally of 13,280 units, reflecting a sharp rebound in demand at the start of the calendar year. Passengers drive growthPassenger cars accounted for the bulk of the growth. Sales in this segment jumped to 18,602 units in January, up 56.5% year-on-year and 74.3% compared to December.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the LCVs, vans, and jeeps category recorded sales of 4,453 units. Although this represented a 13.1% decline from the same month last year, volumes were 70.7% higher than in December, suggesting a gradual recovery in commercial and utility vehicle demand. Production trends broadly tracked sales. Overall vehicle output stood at 22,093 units in January, up 42% from a year earlier.&nbsp; Passenger car manufacturing increased significantly, while production of LCVs and jeeps showed comparatively modest gains on an annual basis. For the first seven months of FY2025-26 (July&ndash;January), cumulative sales reached 111,368 units, posting growth of over 40% compared to the corresponding period last year.

Economy

Over 23,000 vehicle sales recorded in January 2026, a 43-month high, driven by a 56.5% year-on-year surge in passenger car demand; month-on-month sales have jumped 73.6%, marking a strong rebound after December's slowdown in the recovering sector.

Pakistan auto sales hit 4-year high in 2026: PAMA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and International Cricket Council (ICC) Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday as talks continued over Pakistan&rsquo;s refusal to play India in the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026.&nbsp;The meeting was week after the Pakistan government formally announced that the national team would participate in the tournament but would not take the field against India in the February 15 Group A match in Colombo.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled for February 15, 2026, against India,&rdquo; the government said in a statement posted on its official X account.&nbsp;Pakistan opened their World Cup campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7.&nbsp;According to sources, the ICC delegation led by Khwaja arrived in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore around 4 pm to meet PCB leadership and senior officials in an effort to find a way forward. Aminul Islam&rsquo;s presence in the discussions highlighted broader regional concerns surrounding the tournament.&nbsp;The ICC has urged the Pakistan board to reconsider its position. &ldquo;We hope the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications of this decision and explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;The controversy follows an earlier disruption to the tournament after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India over security concerns. The ICC subsequently replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after rejecting Dhaka&rsquo;s request to relocate its fixtures to co-host Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam and International Cricket Council (ICC) Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday as talks continued over Pakistan’s refusal to play India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan, Bangladesh chiefs meet ICC official over India T20 World Cup match

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-finance-minister-highlight-pakistans-reform-push-at-wef-davos" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Muhammad Aurangzeb</a> held high-level meetings with Saudi and World Bank officials on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference 2026, focusing on investment follow-ups, technology cooperation and long-term development support.&nbsp;According to a finance ministry statement, Aurangzeb met Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim to review progress on Saudi investment commitments in Pakistan and broader bilateral economic cooperation. The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies will be held on February 8&ndash;9, 2026, at Maraya Hall in AlUla.&nbsp;The annual forum is organized by Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s finance ministry in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund&rsquo;s regional office in Riyadh, and brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and international institutions from emerging economies.&nbsp;The engagements come as Pakistan seeks to deepen economic partnerships with key regional and multilateral partners, using the AlUla Conference as a platform to advance investment, trade and development priorities.&nbsp;During the meeting, the Saudi minister praised Pakistan&rsquo;s growing technology sector. He &ldquo;highly appreciated the quality of artificial intelligence and technology talent being produced by Pakistan,&rdquo; noting that it ranks &ldquo;among the top one or two globally,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;Alibrahim also expressed Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s &ldquo;keen interest in leveraging Pakistani tech professionals&rdquo; to support the Kingdom&rsquo;s ongoing technological transformation.&nbsp;Aurangzeb said Pakistan is working to formalize overseas employment pathways, sharing that the country is creating &ldquo;a structured pipeline of skilled human resources for key international markets, including Saudi Arabia,&rdquo; aimed at generating &ldquo;mutual economic benefits.&rdquo;&nbsp;The two sides also discussed progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, with emphasis on boosting trade and economic exchanges.&nbsp;Aurangzeb assured that &ldquo;dedicated Pakistani teams are actively leading the process to finalize Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s investment commitments in Pakistan,&rdquo; and thanked the Saudi government for hosting what he described as a &ldquo;strategically significant conference.&rdquo;&nbsp;Separately, the finance minister met World Bank Group Managing Director Anna Bjerde to review Pakistan&rsquo;s reform and development agenda.&nbsp;According to the finance ministry, the meeting assessed progress under Pakistan&rsquo;s Country Partnership Framework and followed up on the recent visit of the World Bank president to Pakistan.&nbsp;Discussions covered priority sectors including energy, education, health, climate resilience, infrastructure, fiscal reforms and debt-for-development swaps.&nbsp;Both sides stressed the need for &ldquo;a more focused approach, clear performance trackers, and robust implementation&rdquo; to ensure measurable outcomes.

Pakistan’s finance minister meets Saudi and World Bank officials at AlUla Conference, advancing investment, technology cooperation and development support, while reaffirming commitments to trade, reforms and long-term economic partnerships.

At AlUla Conference, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia advance investment and tech cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday rejected Indian media reports claiming it had written to the International Cricket Council to invoke force majeure regarding a boycott of India-Pakistan matches.&nbsp;A PCB spokesperson said the board had neither sent any formal communication to the ICC on invoking force majeure nor received any response from the global governing body outlining the legal implications of such a move.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2020171907228996078&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=468d0e6cfa34031d210f20c53920d0e34cb8bc27&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The spokesperson also dismissed reports that the PCB had sought dialogue or a settlement with the ICC on the matter. Reacting to the denial, Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta questioned the consistency of reports surrounding the issue, saying clarity was needed if no formal engagement between the PCB and ICC had taken place.&nbsp;In a post on social media platform X, Gupta said that if the PCB&rsquo;s position was accurate and no correspondence or discussions were underway, then the spokesperson&rsquo;s statement should be taken at face value. However, he argued that reports of subsequent dialogue or settlement talks would contradict that stance.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 866px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2020202192456798243&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=468d0e6cfa34031d210f20c53920d0e34cb8bc27&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Gupta also urged readers to consult reporting by non-Indian media outlets, suggesting that international coverage offered additional context to the unfolding situation. Pakistan&#39;s boycott of playing IndiaThe ICC is in shock over Pakistan&#39;s decision to boycott the lucrative T20 World Cup fixture against arch-rival India t<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: oklch(0.985 0.002 247.839); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">o <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: oklch(0.985 0.002 247.839); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted"><a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/icc-hypocrisy-exposed-as-pakistan-skips-india-clash-in-t20-wc-mark-butcher" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">express solidarity with Bangladesh</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: oklch(0.985 0.002 247.839); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">, which was excluded from the tournament after refusing to play their matches in India. Earlier, reports emerged that the ICC had tasked its vice-chairman with engaging the PCB to bring it to the negotiating table amid concerns over a potential boycott of India-Pakistan fixtures and its broader implications for ICC events. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/sri-lanka-urge-pakistan-to-reconsider-india-game-boycott" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sri Lankan cricket board</a>, the World Cup co-host with India, has also requested that the PCB reconsider its decision, saying the boycott would cause financial losses&nbsp;and harm the island&#39;s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the 2022 economic meltdown. &quot;Any non-participation will have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC [Sri Lanka Cricket] and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows,&quot; the board said. Speculation over the matter has intensified due to the commercial and sporting significance of India-Pakistan matches, which remain among the ICC&rsquo;s most valuable properties.

This image shows the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) building in Lahore. — (AFP/File)

The spokesperson also dismisses reports suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board had sought dialogue or a settlement with the International Cricket Council on the matter.


Pakistan denies approaching ICC over India T20 World Cup clash

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh&#39;s elections next week could reshape South Asia&#39;s balance of power, as Beijing seeks to consolidate influence and ties with India falter, analysts say.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladesh-election-commission-says-poll-preparations-complete" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Feb. 12 poll</a>&nbsp;will be the nation&#39;s first since a student-led uprising toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina&#39;s autocratic regime in August 2024.&nbsp;India&#39;s sheltering of Hasina &mdash; despite extradition requests &mdash; has angered Dhaka&#39;s interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has deepened engagement with China and Pakistan.&nbsp;The Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people maintained strong trade and defense ties with China under Hasina, but New Delhi was Dhaka&#39;s pre-eminent partner, an arrangement that analysts say is shifting.&nbsp;Beijing pivot&quot;The interim government in Bangladesh, and a future government, is really pivoting to China,&quot; said Joshua Kurlantzick, a senior fellow at the US-based Council on Foreign Relations.&nbsp;&quot;Bangladesh has now become central to China&#39;s strategic thinking regarding the Bay of Bengal, and China is increasingly confident that Bangladesh will play a pro-China role in this strategy.&quot;&nbsp;Yunus&#39; first state visit was to China, signalling a strategic shift.&nbsp;The two countries in January inked a key new defense agreement for a drone plant at a proposed northern airbase near India.&nbsp;&quot;Whatever the outcomes of the elections, there is an irreversible possibility of further deepening Bangladesh-China relations,&quot; Delwar Hussain of the University of Dhaka said.&nbsp;&#39;Unremitting hostility&#39;Conversely, New Delhi and Dhaka have regularly sparred since Hasina&#39;s ouster.&nbsp;India&#39;s foreign ministry in December condemned what it called &quot;unremitting hostility against minorities&quot;, pointing to the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.&nbsp;Police say around 70 members of Bangladesh&#39;s minority communities were killed in sectarian violence in 2025.&nbsp;Dhaka has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence. But there have also been sporadic efforts at reconciliation.&nbsp;India&#39;s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Dhaka in January for the funeral of former leader Khaleda Zia, whose Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is widely seen as a frontrunner in the election.&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent a condolence message to her son Tarique Rahman, 60, who is seen as a potential prime minister if the BNP wins.&nbsp;But things unravelled when a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladeshs-minister-calls-for-moving-t20-world-cup-after-ipl-drops-mustafizur" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bangladeshi cricketer was removed</a>&nbsp;from the Indian Premier League after Hindu right-wing protests, leading Bangladesh to withdraw from the T20 World Cup in India.&nbsp;&#39;Stability over disruption&#39;Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group said both sides are likely to be pragmatic.&nbsp;&quot;Both New Delhi and Dhaka are fully aware of the costs of not addressing the deteriorating relations,&quot; he said.&nbsp;Dhaka has also deepened engagement with Pakistan, resuming direct flights in January after more than a decade.&nbsp;Experts say a new government will likely continue to normalize ties with Islamabad without undermining relations with New Delhi.&nbsp;&quot;The new dispensation will likely prioritize stability over disruption,&quot; Donthi said.&nbsp;Retired diplomat Hyumayun Kabir predicted ties could stabilize under an elected government, especially if the BNP wins.&nbsp;But even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bangladesh-religious-party-leader-eyes-power-after-decades-in-politics" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jamaat-e-Islami</a>, the Islamist party once sharply at odds with India, has projected &quot;a kind of pragmatic realism&quot; in its campaign, he said.&nbsp;Despite heated rhetoric, the material core of the India-Bangladesh relationship remains.&nbsp;Trade has stayed stable, and only one Hasina-era bilateral deal, for Indian tugboats, has been scrapped.&nbsp;&quot;China delivers infrastructure in a way India cannot,&quot; said former Indian diplomat Dilip Sinha, who has served as New Delhi&#39;s deputy high commissioner in Bangladesh.&nbsp;&quot;But India provides things Bangladesh critically needs &mdash; power and yarn for the garment industry.&quot;&nbsp;Analysts suggested that inevitably stronger ties with China also need not mean hostilities with India.&nbsp;&quot;It is not an either-or situation,&quot; Kabir said. &quot;Both relationships can thrive at the same time.&quot;

Bangladeshi workers load empty ballot boxes onto a truck at the Election Commission building in Dhaka on February 7, 2026, ahead of the upcoming national elections. Photo: AFP/File)

Bangladesh

Analysts suggest that inevitably stronger ties with China also need not mean hostilities with India.


Bangladesh elections test ties with India as China deepens outreach

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, has reaffirmed Islamabad&rsquo;s commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh, focusing on railway development, technical exchange, rolling stock, and manufacturing collaboration. In a message issued during the visit of a Bangladeshi delegation to the Pakistan Railways Workshop Division on Saturday, Abbasi said closer railway-to-railway ties could deliver &ldquo;significant mutual benefits for both countries.&rdquo; The delegation was led by Farhad Islam, secretary for International Organizations and Consular Affairs and designated D-8 Commissioner of Bangladesh, along with Bangladesh&rsquo;s High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan. Senior Pakistan Railways officials received the visitors at the department&rsquo;s headquarters and workshop facilities. The visit underscores a renewed focus on institutional cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with railways emerging as a practical entry point for rebuilding technical and economic linkages through state-run infrastructure collaboration. In his message, Abbasi emphasized the scope for expanding bilateral engagement, particularly through &ldquo;railway development, exchange of expertise, rolling stock, and manufacturing cooperation.&rdquo; He said enhanced collaboration between the two railway systems could strengthen long-term connectivity and capacity-building. During the visit, Chief Mechanical Engineer (Carriage &amp; Wagons) Muhammad Nasir Khalili briefed the delegation on the operational structure, technical capabilities, and ongoing development projects of Pakistan Railways&rsquo; workshops. A short documentary showcasing the workshops&rsquo; operational strength and working capacity was also presented. Addressing the gathering, Khalili said Pakistan and Bangladesh are &ldquo;brotherly countries with a shared history, culture, and heritage.&rdquo; He added that there is &ldquo;vast potential for bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, including technology sharing and joint initiatives.&rdquo; As part of the program, commemorative shields were exchanged between Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials as a gesture of goodwill. The delegation was later taken on a detailed tour of the Mughalpura Locomotive Workshop, where officials explained various stages of locomotive maintenance, rehabilitation, and manufacturing. The visiting dignitaries described the tour as &ldquo;highly informative, productive and encouraging,&rdquo; according to the statement, and praised the technical expertise and professional competence of Pakistan Railways staff. The engagement reflects Pakistan&rsquo;s broader push to expand functional cooperation with Bangladesh through sector-specific partnerships, as both sides explore avenues to strengthen institutional ties beyond diplomatic exchanges.

This screengrab shows Bangladesh’s Secretary for International Organizations, Farhad Islam, and High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan visiting the Pakistan Railways Workshop Division in Lahore on February 7, 2026. (Pakistan Railways)

Collaboration on infrastructure, manufacturing, and expertise exchange was evident as officials toured workshops, discussed capacity-building, and signaled renewed institutional engagement through cooperation across state-run transport sectors.

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