ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Pakistan is expected to make a final decision next week on whether its cricket team will participate in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, keeping open the possibility of a boycott following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament.
Read More: PCB to decide on T20 World Cup participation in a few days
The decision was anticipated on Monday after Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. No announcement followed the meeting, with Naqvi stating on X that the “final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”
Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz 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. pic.twitter.com/6SOvNdLceW
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) January 26, 2026
Naqvi had initially raised the prospect of Pakistan pulling out after the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, following Dhaka’s refusal to tour India over safety concerns amid strained India-Bangladesh relations. Pakistan had supported Bangladesh’s position during a recent ICC board meeting.
Sources indicate that while a full boycott of the World Cup is not the top priority, Pakistan could opt to forfeit its group match against India on February 15. Officials noted that solid grounds exist under government instructions not to play India, potentially shielding the PCB from ICC sanctions or penalties.
The PMO said that during Monday’s meeting, Naqvi briefed the prime minister on “recent developments between the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding the T20 World Cup,” and both parties agreed to keep all options on the table.
Pakistan’s alternative, if it chooses not to play in India, is to stage matches at a neutral venue, as per a prior agreement allowing Pakistan and India to compete outside the host country when security concerns arise. Last year, India played all matches in Dubai under similar circumstances.
Read More: Mohsin Naqvi confirms Pakistan T20 world cup decision soon
With the tournament set to start on February 7, the PCB faces a tight timeline to announce its participation, balancing sporting commitments with diplomatic sensitivities. The final decision will be closely watched by fans and officials across the cricketing world.