Pakistan will take a final decision on its participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by Friday or next Monday, Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday.
In a post on X, Naqvi said he had held a “productive meeting” with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during which he briefed him on the ongoing ICC-related matter.
“The prime minister directed that the issue be resolved while keeping all options on the table,” Naqvi said, adding that both sides agreed the final decision would be taken within the next few days.
The development comes in the aftermath of ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.l, after the latter refused to travel to India amid security concerns.
Further clarity is expected once the decision is formally announced.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is weighing multiple protest options linked to Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup, sources said, as the board voices solidarity with Bangladesh amid growing concerns over treatment of the Bangladesh team.
Sources say the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering several symbolic and competitive responses related to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup matches. The options were discussed internally as part of broader deliberations on how to register protest while remaining engaged in the tournament.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has consulted board officials and former cricketers, according to sources. The discussions also took place during a PSL workshop, where Naqvi reportedly spoke strongly in favor of the Bangladesh team.
Sources quoted Naqvi as saying Bangladesh had been “abused” and should not be left alone, reflecting the board’s stance on expressing solidarity.
First option: Pakistani players could wear black armbands during T20 World Cup matches to express solidarity with Bangladesh cricket fans. Second option: The Pakistan team could boycott the February 15 match against India, citing Indian behaviour, sources said.
Third option: Pakistan could dedicate every match victory in the T20 World Cup to Bangladesh cricket supporters.