Daijiworld Media Network - Karachi

Karachi, May 10: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have reportedly agreed to support each other at Asian and international cricket forums while seeking greater balance in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2028-31 cycle.

According to a source close to the PCB, chairman Mohsin Naqvi returned from a two-day visit to Dhaka after receiving positive assurances during discussions with Bangladesh officials, including interim cricket head Tamim Iqbal.

The source said Naqvi held detailed discussions on rejecting any proposal to introduce a two-tier system in the World Test Championship and also stressed the need for greater balance in scheduling and revenue distribution in the next ICC financial cycle after 2027.

According to the source, both boards agreed that countries such as India, Australia and England currently receive the majority of matches in the World Test Championship, while teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies do not get adequate representation in the schedule.

The discussions also reportedly focused on bringing together other cricket boards to create a stronger bloc within the International Cricket Council (ICC) and enhance cooperation at the Asian level.

The source said Naqvi and Tamim agreed to engage with other cricket boards and seek support for their positions at the ICC level, while also deciding that Pakistan and Bangladesh would support each other on issues raised at Asian or ICC forums.

The source further dismissed speculation that Bangladesh’s new government was moving closer to India in cricket-related matters.

“Bangladesh obviously has to protect its own interests, but during discussions it was agreed that the mutual understanding and support shown by both boards during the World T20 Cup issue should continue at every level,” the source said.