Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain, with a final decision expected within days following high-level discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the federal government.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Monday that the matter was discussed during what he described as a “productive meeting” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding that the government has asked the board to keep all options open before taking a final call.
“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table,” Naqvi wrote on X.
“It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”
ICC decision fuels uncertainty
The development comes amid growing unease within the PCB following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) recent decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the T20 World Cup, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns.
Despite prolonged negotiations between the ICC and the BCB, no compromise was reached. The ICC ultimately rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka, insisting the original schedule remain unchanged and issuing a final ultimatum.
Pakistan has publicly backed Bangladesh during the standoff, and the ICC’s hardline stance has raised concerns within the PCB about how similar issues involving Pakistan would be handled.
Government to take final call
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, reiterated over the weekend that the PCB would not act independently on the matter and that the final decision would be taken by the federal government.
Sources suggest that Pakistan’s stance will be shaped by both security considerations and the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s withdrawal. While no official boycott decision has been made, speculation has intensified that Pakistan could consider withdrawing if its concerns are not adequately addressed.
Hybrid model already in place
Under the current schedule, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are set to be played in Sri Lanka under the agreed hybrid model. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia.
The Men in Green are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, followed by matches against the USA on 10 February and arch-rivals India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.
If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be held in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
High-stakes decision ahead
With the Pakistan–India clash one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, Pakistan’s potential withdrawal would have major sporting, commercial and broadcast implications for the ICC.
For now, all eyes remain on Islamabad, with a final announcement expected by the end of the week or early next week, as Pakistan weighs its options ahead of the global event.
