PCB Chief Naqvi Continues His Politics as Pakistan Keep T20 World Cup Participation in Suspense, India Match Boycott Only an Option

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Lahore, Jan 26: Within 24 hours after announcing their squad for the men's T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan have kept the cricketing world guessing over their participation in the tournament, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi continuing to mix sport with politics by deferring a final decision and floating the possibility of a boycott of the high-profile clash against India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Monday (January 26) that a final call on Pakistan's participation will be taken either on Friday or next Monday, following Naqvi's meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Read: Pak T20 WC Squad

Pakistan Keep The Suspense over WC Participation

Naqvi later took to social media to state that the matter was discussed at length with the Prime Minister. "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," Naqvi said, adding that the final decision would be taken after further deliberations.

According to sources, Prime Minister Sharif asked the PCB to extend full support to Bangladesh, who were recently ousted from the tournament. Multiple scenarios were discussed, including Pakistan opting out of the T20 World Cup altogether or participating in the event but boycotting the marquee clash against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Bangladesh Replaced By Scotland

Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament after their request to shift matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India, was rejected by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC maintained that no verifiable threat existed to justify a venue change.

The PCB has reiterated that the final decision on participation will rest with the federal government, keeping players and fans in suspense just days before the tournament begins.

Pakistan are scheduled to open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18.

The uncertainty comes a day after the PCB announced its 15-member squad for the tournament. Senior batter Babar Azam has been named in the squad, while fast bowler Haris Rauf was left out. The team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, marking a new leadership phase overshadowed by off-field uncertainty.