APP, Wires
Islamabad: Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Monday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and briefed him on the evolving situation surrounding the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and recent developments involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, Naqvi updated the premier on Pakistan’s position regarding participation in the tournament.
Speaking after the meeting, the PCB chairman said a final decision on Pakistan’s participation would be taken either on Friday or next Monday.
“He directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” Naqvi said in a post on X.
The meeting followed reports that Pakistan was considering a possible withdrawal from the tournament after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to move its matches to a venue outside India.
The BCB had sought a venue change after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Indian Premier League on the Indian board’s instructions, triggering strong reaction in Bangladesh.
However, the ICC announced on Saturday that Bangladesh had been replaced by Scotland in the tournament, citing scheduling constraints ahead of the February 7 start date. In a statement, the ICC said it found no “credible or verifiable security threat” to the Bangladesh national team in India.
Bangladesh’s exclusion subsequently fuelled speculation about Pakistan’s possible withdrawal from the event.
Bangladesh–India tensions spill into cricket
Relations between Bangladesh and India have remained strained in recent months following political developments in Dhaka, including the departure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi after protests against her.
The political strain has increasingly spilled into cricketing ties. After Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from this year’s IPL despite signing with a Kolkata franchise, Bangladesh authorities responded by banning IPL broadcasts in the country and demanding that their World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka.
The standoff echoes earlier South Asian cricket disputes. During last year’s Champions Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to tour Pakistan, citing political tensions. A “hybrid model” was subsequently adopted, allowing India to play their matches in Dubai.
Under an existing agreement running until 2027, Pakistan is scheduled to play ICC tournament matches at neutral venues. For the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s fixtures are planned to be held in Sri Lanka.
Officials said consultations are ongoing, with Pakistan expected to announce its final position later this week.
