Following the International Cricket Council’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup after it refused to play matches in India, uncertainty has now emerged over Pakistan’s participation in the tournament as well.
Although Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad has already been announced, a final decision on whether the team will take part in the event has yet to be made. In this regard, an important meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected today to discuss the matter in detail.
Sources say the meeting will focus on various aspects related to Pakistan’s participation or non-participation in the T20 World Cup. It has also been decided to consult Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to consider diplomatic and security-related concerns.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that consultations are underway, the government will play its role, and the public will be informed once a final decision is reached.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s stance was based on principles and rejected what he described as the ICC’s double standards. He emphasized that politicized cricket is not in anyone’s interest and that all stakeholders should adhere strictly to the principles of the game.
Naqvi further said that Pakistani players are highly talented and capable of competing in any arena, adding that success is always achieved through strong teamwork. He had earlier clarified that the final decision regarding participation in the T20 World Cup would be taken by the Government of Pakistan rather than the PCB.
It is worth recalling that a few days ago, the Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns and requested that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected this request and included Scotland in the tournament in place of Bangladesh.
According to sources, following Bangladesh’s exclusion, reports also emerged suggesting the possibility of a boycott by Pakistan. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Pakistan’s matches set to be played in Sri Lanka.
