PCB Awaits Government Decision on ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Participation

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will depend on government approval after Bangladesh’s replacement.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has approached the federal government for guidance on Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The move follows the International Cricket Council reportedly replacing Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh declined to play matches in India.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the final call rests with the government. He indicated the board will act only after official direction. The decision process will resume once Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif returns from an overseas visit. The PCB stated that any government ruling will be binding. If Pakistan withdraws, the ICC may invite another team.

“Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government,” said Naqvi.

“Our PM (Shahbaz Sharif) is out of the country. When he comes back, 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,” he added.

Naqvi Criticises ICC Over Treatment of Bangladesh

Mohsin Naqvi also said the PCB has multiple contingency options in place. He noted that Plans A, B, and C exist and can be activated when required. He added that the board handled similar situations during the Champions Trophy.

Naqvi then criticised the ICC’s handling of the matter. He said Bangladesh remains a major stakeholder and deserves fair consideration. He also questioned venue changes that previously benefited India and Pakistan but not Bangladesh.

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“We have alternate plans A, B, and C, which we can use when the time comes. We have done this before during the Champions Trophy, so nothing new for us, and we know how to deal with such matters,” he said.

“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 arises. One country is dictating and when the ICC changed venues for Pakistan and India in a favour then why it was not done for Bangladesh?” Mohin Naqvi concluded.