LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has clarified that Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be decided by the federal government, not the cricket board alone.
Addressing the media in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi said the PCB would strictly follow the government’s guidance regarding the mega event, which is scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. His comments came amid growing uncertainty after reports claimed the International Cricket Council (ICC) had replaced Bangladesh with Scotland due to Bangladesh’s refusal to tour India over security concerns.
The ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were engaged in extended discussions, but no agreement was reached. Earlier this week, the ICC reportedly rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, insisting the original schedule would remain unchanged.
Following these developments, speculation emerged that Pakistan could also reconsider its participation if Bangladesh was forced out of the tournament.
Mohsin Naqvi dismissed any notion of unilateral decision-making by the PCB. “The prime minister is currently abroad. Once he returns, a final and clear decision will be announced,” he said.
The PCB chief strongly criticised the ICC’s handling of the situation, calling it unfair and inconsistent. He argued that Bangladesh deserved equal treatment as a full ICC member and should not be sidelined under pressure.
“Bangladesh is a key stakeholder in international cricket. They should be allowed to participate under all circumstances,” Naqvi stated, adding that he raised these concerns during the ICC board meeting.
He also hinted at what he described as undue influence within global cricket governance, stressing that Pakistan would not accept any imposed decisions.
“No country has the right to dictate terms to another. If unequal treatment continues, Pakistan will adopt its own firm position,” Naqvi concluded.
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