India, Jan. 29 -- Pakistan's T20 World Cup call is due in the next 24-72 hours, and the clock is ticking fast: the tournament begins on February 7 and runs until March 8, while India-Pakistan is pencilled for February 15 in Colombo.

This isn't just a big yes/no on participation. It is a choice between four matches, each with a different price tag.

If Pakistan play the tournament normally, they buy something boards rarely admit they value most: No contractual grey zones, no emergency substitutions, no headlines that outgrow the cricket. The PCB chair has pushed the final call to Friday or next Monday, with the February 2 deadline discussed publicly.

The upside is clean: Pakistan stay in control of their campaign, avoid handing rivals fr...