Pakistan will decide by Friday or next Monday whether it will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said after briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Naqvi told reporters that all options remain on the table as Pakistan evaluates the situation and assesses the ICC’s recent decisions regarding the tournament.
The announcement follows the ICC’s controversial move to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the World Cup lineup. Bangladesh had raised security concerns over matches in India but the ICC determined there was no credible threat prompting the change. This decision has fueled debate in Pakistan with some questioning the fairness of the ICC’s handling of team participation.
Prime Minister Sharif according to Naqvi directed that the PCB carefully weigh its options and ensure any decision reflects both Pakistan’s sporting interests and national sentiment. Cricket fans officials and international observers are closely monitoring the situation as the tournament is set to begin on February 7.
The PCB’s decision could have wider implications for cricket diplomacy in the region potentially affecting relations with neighboring boards and the ICC itself. Meanwhile Pakistani players and fans await clarity on whether their team will compete on the global stage this season.
As the deadline approaches Pakistan faces a critical choice — to participate under the current arrangements or consider a boycott with consequences for both national pride and international cricket ties.
