PCB Chairman Says Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Participation Decision to Come by Friday or Next Monday

Islamabad: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that a decision on Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup will be finalized by this Friday or next Monday.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all options regarding Pakistan’s participation were kept open. Mohsin Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation with the ICC, while the Prime Minister instructed him to resolve the matter.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Naqvi said he provided a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister about ICC issues, and the Prime Minister advised considering all possible options before making a final decision.

Sources said that Naqvi highlighted the ICC’s “double standards,” noting that it applies one set of rules for India and a different set for other countries. He also mentioned that India had previously refused to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy and was subsequently given an alternative venue.

Naqvi further stated that Bangladesh had informed the ICC of security concerns regarding traveling to India, yet instead of providing an alternative venue, the ICC excluded Bangladesh from the World Cup.

According to sources, Naqvi emphasized that if Pakistan does not participate, it will forfeit a substantial financial share. He added that if Pakistan opts not to play against India, the impact would be greater on India than on Pakistan.