Key decision expected today as Pakistan mull boycotting T20 World Cup 2026
2026-01-26 - 03:44
ISLAMABAD – The participation of Pakistan’s cricket team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain after the International Cricket Council (ICC) controversially removed Bangladesh from the tournament following its refusal to play in India due to security concerns. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today (Monday) to discuss whether Pakistan will take part in the event. Reports suggest that the meeting will focus on whether Pakistan should proceed with its involvement in the tournament. Additionally, consultations are expected with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding the situation. Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, emphasized that the government will play a role in the final decision and assured that the public will be informed once a conclusion is reached. Earlier, Naqvi criticized ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh situation, expressing support for its stance, which he called based on principles. He also rejected ICC’s “double standards” in managing the tournament. Naqvi further stated that “politicized cricket” harms no one’s interests, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles of the sport. He reiterated that Pakistan’s players are skilled and can compete in any environment, stressing that team success comes through collaboration. Earlier, Naqvi had stated that Pakistan is more accountable to the Pakistani government than to ICC, and it is the government that will make the final call regarding the country’s participation in the World Cup. Recently, Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to play in India due to security concerns and requested that its matches be moved to Sri Lanka. However, ICC rejected this request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. Following this decision, it was speculated that Pakistan might also consider boycotting the event, should Bangladesh’s exclusion remain unchanged. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with Pakistan’s matches scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.