In a significant development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has cast fresh uncertainty over Pakistan's involvement in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. During a candid press conference held in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi made it unequivocally clear that the final verdict on whether the national team will compete in the prestigious tournament rests solely with the Pakistan government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Government Holds the Ultimate Authority
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the PCB would defer to the higher authority once Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif returns from his ongoing overseas trip. "Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government," Naqvi declared. He further elaborated, "Our PM is out of the country. When he comes, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding, and if they say no, then they (ICC) may invite any other team."
This statement has ignited widespread speculation across sports circles, with many interpreting it as a potential precursor to a boycott or withdrawal. Reports have emerged suggesting that the PCB has already paused its preliminary preparations for the event, adding fuel to the conjecture.
Context: Bangladesh's Removal and Scotland's Inclusion
This development follows closely on the heels of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) recent decision to remove Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026. The removal came after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to play matches in India, citing security concerns. Consequently, Scotland has been invited as the replacement team in Group C, marking a significant shift in the tournament's lineup.
Pakistan's Support for Bangladesh's Stance
Notably, Pakistan stood alone among ICC member nations in backing Bangladesh's demand to relocate their matches away from India. Naqvi described Bangladesh as a major stakeholder in global cricket and criticized the ICC for what he termed as unfair treatment. "Bangladesh is a big stakeholder and they have been unfairly treated in this case. This I maintained in Wednesday's meeting as well and their stance has many factors which I will tell when the situation arrives," he stated.
Naqvi went further to accuse the ICC of selective decision-making, pointing to perceived favoritism toward one particular nation. "One country is dictating. When the ICC changed venues for Pakistan and India in a favour, then why it was not done for Bangladesh?" he questioned, highlighting inconsistencies in the council's approach.
Pakistan's Matches Scheduled in Sri Lanka
Under the hybrid hosting model for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan is slated to play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. This arrangement stems from a prior agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the PCB, designed to avoid bilateral series in India while ensuring Pakistan's participation in ICC events.
PCB's Independence and Government Subservience
Reiterating the PCB's stance, Naqvi underscored the board's independence from the ICC in such critical matters. "Our policy and position are clear. When the time comes, and the government makes a decision, everyone will know about it. We are not under the ICC; we are subservient to our government. Once the PM returns, he will decide. We will follow government directives," he affirmed.
This declaration not only underscores the political dimensions influencing international cricket but also sets the stage for a pivotal decision that could reshape the dynamics of the T20 World Cup 2026. As the cricketing community awaits Prime Minister Sharif's return and subsequent ruling, the uncertainty looms large, with potential implications for team preparations, fan expectations, and the overall tournament landscape.
