ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delayed a final decision on participation in next month’s men’s ICC T20 World Cup in India, keeping open the possibility of a partial or symbolic boycott after Bangladesh’s withdrawal over security concerns sparked a growing diplomatic and sporting fallout.
The PCB delayed the call by up to a week following consultations between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as Islamabad weighs its response to the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland at short notice.
In a post on X after the meeting, Naqvi quoted the prime minister as calling for caution and flexibility, saying: “Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. briefed him on the ICC case and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table.”
Naqvi added that it was agreed that the final decision would be made either on Friday or next Monday as Pakistan assesses the implications of continuing in the tournament while protesting what it sees as inconsistent and politically influenced ICC decision-making.
PCB sources say one option being discussed is to boycott the high-profile group clash against India on February 15 in Colombo, a match considered to be among the most lucrative tournaments in global cricket despite the sporting cost of dropping points.
The ICC’s move followed Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India and its demand that the matches be moved to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns, a request Pakistan supported by pointing to last year’s Champions Trophy hybrid arrangement for India.
Naqvi has publicly criticized what he called the ICC’s “double standards”, arguing that if hybrid models were acceptable in previous cases, Bangladesh deserved similar consideration, while warning that “one country cannot dictate another” in ICC matters.
Pakistan’s campaign is scheduled to begin against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA, India and Namibia, with Super Eight matches split between Colombo and Kolkata and the final set on March 8.
The PCB chairman is also due to meet the national squad after the World Cup line-up is announced, with preparations continuing amid uncertainty as the government retains the final say on Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features 20 teams, divided into four groups, with the top teams progressing to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Matches will be played in India and Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting arrangement.
Both Pakistan and India have been placed in Group A. Pakistan begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by a match against the USA on February 10. The much-awaited group stage match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, with Pakistan concluding their group match against Namibia on February 18.
The Super Eight stage will run from February 21 to March 1 with matches in Colombo and Kolkata. The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 3 and March 5, while the final will be held on March 8, with Ahmedabad and Colombo listed as the designated venues.
The clash between Pakistan and India was seen as the biggest match of the tournament given the unprecedented rivalry between the two teams, especially the recent acrimony when the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan during the three matches played in the Asia Cup in the UAE.
“PCB is thinking of not playing India in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as a mark of protest against ICC’s decision not to allow Bangladesh to play their matches in Sri Lanka. The biggest competition of the global tournament is scheduled in Sri Lanka on February 15,” Cricinfo.com said in a write-up.
“The two arch-rivals are in Group A and may face each other again in the semi-final or final. If Pakistan decides to boycott the match, two points will be handed over to the Indian national cricket team. It may also affect the PCB financially,” it added.
(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES AND NEWS DESK)
