Pakistan Delays Decision on T20 World Cup Participation Amid ICC Dispute

Islamabad. With only 10 days remaining until the start of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has postponed its decision on whether to participate in the tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated after meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that a final decision would be made by Friday or next Monday.

Naqvi described the meeting with Prime Minister Sharif on Monday as fruitful. The Prime Minister has directed that all options remain open to resolve the dispute with the ICC. Pakistan's delay in making a decision right before the World Cup has increased uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

Pakistan's first match is scheduled against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7. If Pakistan makes a decision only next Monday (February 2), it will be just four days before the first match.

It is understood that the PCB is discussing options that include not only a complete boycott of the World Cup but also a 'symbolic protest' by only refusing to play the match against India in Colombo on February 15. However, the board has not officially commented on this.

Amidst the uncertainty, the PCB has already announced its squad for the World Cup. Chief Selector Aqib Javed stated that while the team is ready, the form of participation depends on the government's decision.

The main reason for Pakistan's firm stance is the ICC's decision to include Scotland after removing Bangladesh. Bangladesh, citing security concerns, refused to tour India and demanded a neutral venue, a request that the ICC rejected, giving the opportunity to Scotland instead.

PCB Chairman Naqvi strongly criticized the ICC's 'double standards,' alleging that the ICC applies one rule for India and another for other countries. Pakistan itself has been granted the facility to play all its matches in Sri Lanka without touring India. However, Pakistan had raised its voice in the ICC meeting demanding that Bangladesh should be given the same facility.

Bangladesh had stated that it felt unsafe playing in India due to the political tensions between India and Pakistan and the directive given by the BCCI to remove Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL team KKR.