Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi has informed players that Pakistan's participation in 2026 T20 World Cup is still not guaranteed, even after the official squad announcement. Naqvi clarified that while the team has been named, the option to withdraw from the tournament remains open.
He emphasized that the final decision lies with the government, not PCB. Naqvi also stated that the board’s stance has remained unchanged since Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after declining to travel to India. According to him, PCB continues to hold the same position on participation in the tournament under the current circumstances.
"We are waiting for the government’s advice and whatever the government tells us to do, we will do it. If they don’t want us to go for the World Cup, we will follow it," PCB chief Naqvi told Pakistan players.
Naqvi accuses ICC of applying double standards
Mohsin Naqvi once again accused the ICC of applying double standards, insisting that Bangladesh was dealt with unfairly. He maintained that Bangladesh’s decision to not play matches in India was a valid position and should not have been viewed as defiance.
Ahead of announcing their T20 World Cup squad, Pakistan had openly supported Bangladesh and even warned of a possible withdrawal from the tournament. PCB had stated that it was awaiting guidance from Pakistan government before deciding on travel to Sri Lanka for the event.
Although Pakistan have now named their squad, uncertainty still surrounds their participation, with the board continuing to cast doubt over whether the team will ultimately take part in the tournament.
The squad announcement by Pakistan had initially led to speculation that PCB had eased its position following pressure from ICC. However, Naqvi has firmly dismissed that perception, making it clear that the board’s stance remains unchanged.
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