PCB keeps options open on T20 World Cup participation

Naqvi says final decision delayed by a week

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has deferred a final decision on participating in next month's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India, keeping the option of a partial or symbolic boycott open after Bangladesh's withdrawal over security concerns triggered a widening 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 urging caution and flexibility, saying: "Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table."

Naqvi added that it was agreed the final decision would be taken either on Friday or next Monday, as Pakistan evaluates the implications of continuing in the tournament, while protesting what it sees as inconsistent and politically influenced ICC decision-making.

Sources within the PCB say one option under discussion is boycotting the high-profile group-stage clash against India on February 15 in Colombo, a match considered among the most lucrative fixtures in global cricket despite the sporting cost of forfeiting points.

The ICC's move followed Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India and its demand for matches to be relocated to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns, a request Pakistan backed by pointing to last year's Champions Trophy hybrid arrangement for India.

Naqvi has publicly criticised what he termed 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 affairs.

Pakistan's campaign is scheduled to begin against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States, India and Namibia, with Super Eight fixtures split between Colombo and Kolkata and the final set for March 8.

The PCB chairman is also due to meet the national squad following the announcement of the World Cup line-up, 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 sides progressing to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Matches are being staged across India and Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting arrangement.

Both Pakistan and India have been placed in Group A. Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by a fixture against the United States on February 10. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India group-stage match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, with Pakistan completing their group fixtures against Namibia on February 18.

The Super Eight stage will run from February 21 to March 1, with matches hosted 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 Pakistan-India clash seen as the biggest match of the tournament given the unprecedented rivalry between the two teams, particularly the recent acrimony when Indian side refused to shake hands with the Pakistan during the three matches played in the Asia Cup in the UAE.

"The PCB is thinking of not playing against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as a mark of protest for the ICC's decision not to allow Bangladesh to play their matches in Sri Lanka. The biggest contest of the global tournament is scheduled in Sri Lanka on February 15," Cricinfo.com said in a writeup.

"The two arch-rivals are in Group A, and they could face each other again in the semi-final or final. If Pakistan decide to boycott the match, two points would be handed over to the Indian National Cricket Team. It could also impact the PCB financially," it added.

(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES & NEWS DESK)