Pakistan playing or boycotting T20 WC 2026? PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi discloses plan on participation after meeting PM Sharif

Pakistan has postponed making a final call on taking part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to discuss the issue. After the meeting, Naqvi said the decision is still being considered, all possibilities are open, and a final announcement is likely by Friday or next Monday.

What was the statement?

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and 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 wrote on X.

Why is Pakistan’s involvement uncertain in the T20 World Cup 2026?

Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament remains uncertain after the International Cricket Council (ICC) dropped Bangladesh from the 20-team event because they refused to travel to India over safety worries. Scotland was then brought in to replace Bangladesh, a decision that has reportedly caused frustration within both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistani government.

A Geo News report says Pakistan could still pull out of the tournament, as sources indicate that Islamabad is unhappy with how the ICC handled Bangladesh’s situation. The report also mentioned that the federal government might block the men’s team from travelling if their concerns are not resolved.

Reports suggest Pakistan is even considering skipping their group match against India, which is set to take place in Colombo on February 15. This is part of an agreement between the PCB, BCCI, and ICC that all India-Pakistan games until 2027 will be held at neutral venues.

Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan announced a 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup on Sunday, with Salman Ali Agha named as captain. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that this does not confirm the team’s participation. He emphasized that government approval is required before the team can travel, especially for matches involving India.

Naqvi has repeatedly stated that the PCB is waiting for the government’s decision before making a final call. The T20 World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7. The ICC has set January 30 as the deadline for all teams to submit their final squads.