LAHORE – Pakistan’s cricket board is expected to decide within the next 24 hours whether the national team will play India in their February 15 fixture at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the PCB chairman said on Monday, as Bangladesh’s board urged Pakistan to go ahead with the high-profile match.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said discussions were ongoing with the International Cricket Council, and that a final decision would be taken after consultations at the highest level.

“We have had discussions with them (the ICC). It would not be right for me to make any comments right now,” Naqvi told reporters. “Once we get their response, we will decide. We will go back to the prime minister for advice once the ICC replies. An announcement will come tomorrow or day after tomorrow.”

The match against arch-rivals India is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament and carries major sporting and commercial significance for the global game.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam formally urged Pakistan to play the match, following meetings in Lahore with Naqvi and ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja.

“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” Aminul said in a statement.

“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 ecosystem.”

Any decision is expected to be announced once the ICC formally communicates its position to the PCB, Naqvi said.