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Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif Consulted on World Cup Issue
T20 World Cup 2026: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has increased the suspense surrounding Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup. If Pakistan withdraws at the last moment, the ICC may recall Bangladesh.
On Monday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi caused a stir by announcing that Pakistan has postponed a final decision on its participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Naqvi said he met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to consult on the issue. Following this, the PCB Chief clarified that a final decision will be made either on Friday or next Monday, with only a week and a half remaining before the tournament begins.
HT reported, quoting an official, that Pakistan is unlikely to withdraw from the entire tournament, as it knows that if such a situation arises, the ICC may recall Bangladesh in place of Pakistan. In this case, Bangladesh will be placed in Group A, as requested, and will be able to play all of its matches in Sri Lanka. This will also reduce logistical problems.
In this way, the ICC will not be accused of accepting the BCB's security concerns about Bangladesh playing in India; rather, it will be seen as a result of the changed circumstances following Pakistan's exit. It should be noted that on January 24, the ICC moved Scotland from Group C to Group B, replacing Bangladesh.
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According to Pakistani media reports, their strongest option may be to boycott the Group A league match against India in Colombo on February 15 and agree to forfeit points. This could cause significant losses to the tournament's broadcasters and sponsors. However, the PCB will have to provide reasons for this, after which the ICC will make a final decision. It is worth noting that the hybrid model was agreed upon at the PCB's request. Failure to do so would result in the ICC breaking that deal. Furthermore, the PCB is considering playing matches wearing black armbands in protest.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla said, "We wanted Bangladesh to play and had assured them of full security, but since they have made this decision, it's very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last minute. That's why Scotland has been brought in." He added that Pakistan is provoking Bangladesh by interfering in this matter without any reason. Everyone knows the cruelty Pakistan has inflicted on Bangladeshis, and now they are trying to mislead them.
