Facing substantial loss in revenue and broadcasting rights, the ICC has decided to initiate backchannel contacts in a bid to persuade Pakistan to reconsider its stance.

In this regard, the ICC has contacted a representative of the Singapore Cricket Association to initiate talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the sources added.

The ICC has asked the association’s deputy chairman, Imran Khwaja, to act as a mediator and play a peacemaking role in discussions aimed at resolving the crisis, the sources added.

Indian media also reported that Khwaja has been assigned the responsibility of engaging Pakistan through informal channels.

The development comes after the Government of Pakistan announced that the national team would not play its World Cup group match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan-India encounters have long been considered high-voltage matches and have generated significant revenue for the ICC.

The sources said the ICC is keen to avoid disruption to the tournament schedule and is making diplomatic efforts to bring all parties on board through behind-the-scenes dialogue.