Karachi: Pakistan has kept cricket fans on edge over its participation in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, delaying a final decision amid discussions on potentially boycotting the high-profile clash against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were recently removed from the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that a definitive decision regarding the team’s participation will be made either on Friday or next Monday, following a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Naqvi took to social media after the meeting to confirm the discussion. “I had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister and briefed him on the ICC matter. He directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table,” he tweeted. “It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”
Sources familiar with the discussion said Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that Pakistan should extend all possible support to Bangladesh, which was ousted from the 20-team tournament starting February 7. Various scenarios were reportedly presented to the Prime Minister, including Pakistan skipping the event entirely or participating but boycotting the February 15 match against India in Colombo if it could benefit Bangladesh cricket.
Earlier, the PCB had maintained that the government would take the final call on the team’s participation, citing the evolving situation following Bangladesh’s removal. The Bangladesh team had requested to move its matches to Sri Lanka over security concerns in India, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, stating that no verifiable threat existed.
Pakistan is scheduled to open its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. Other group-stage matches include clashes with the USA (February 10), India (February 15), and Namibia (February 18).
The PCB announced its 15-man squad on Sunday, with experienced batter Babar Azam included but Haris Rauf excluded. Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the tournament.
The cricketing world now awaits the PCB’s final decision, which could have significant implications for both the tournament and Pakistan’s relationship with fellow South Asian teams.
