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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a significant step regarding Pakistan’s potential participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 by deciding to seek formal consultation with Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar before arriving at any final position.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has consistently emphasized principles over politics in international cricket, met with the national team players to brief them on the board’s stance. The players appreciated Chairman Naqvi’s principled position and expressed full support for it.
During the meeting, Naqvi told the players that the PCB firmly rejects the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) double standards. He reiterated that Bangladesh’s decision not to play in India during the upcoming tournament is based on strong principles, and Pakistan supported Bangladesh precisely because cricket’s golden rules must be upheld uniformly.
“We backed Bangladesh because we believe in the core principles of cricket,” Naqvi said. “The ICC cannot apply one set of rules for some nations and a different set for others. Everyone must adhere to the same standards.”
He further stressed that politicizing cricket serves no one’s interest. “Our players are highly talented and fully capable of competing at any level. However, the final call on participation will be made by the government of Pakistan, and the PCB will implement whatever decision is taken in letter and spirit.”
PCB officials confirmed that while the ultimate authority rests with the Prime Minister, the board has decided to first consult Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the matter. This move comes amid growing controversy surrounding the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s stance, which has reportedly led to discussions about excluding Bangladesh from the tournament and replacing them with Scotland.
Chairman Naqvi had earlier publicly supported Bangladesh’s position during an ICC Board meeting, arguing that Bangladesh, as a full member, deserves the same considerations extended to Pakistan and India under the hybrid model for bilateral series. He maintained that consistent application of rules is essential for the integrity of global cricket.
The situation remains delicate for Pakistani cricket. Should Pakistan opt for a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh, it could invite sanctions or other punitive measures from the ICC. Nevertheless, the PCB is prioritizing principles and equal treatment over expediency.
The T20 World Cup issue has now shifted to the political and diplomatic domain. A decision is expected in the coming weeks following consultations with the Foreign Minister, setting the stage for what could be one of the most consequential calls in Pakistan’s recent cricketing history.
