Pakistan’s T20 World Cup participation decision expected on Friday or Monday

ISLAMABAD: The final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup is expected to be announced by Friday or next Monday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed.

Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the matter, during which all available options were considered. The Prime Minister directed Naqvi to resolve the issue while taking all aspects into account.

Speaking on social media platform X, Naqvi said he briefed the Prime Minister on the current ICC situation, and that the decision on Pakistan’s participation would be made after careful consideration.

Sources revealed that during the meeting, Naqvi highlighted the ICC’s double standards, stating that the organization applies one set of rules for India and another for other countries.

 He recalled that India had previously refused to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, after which a neutral venue was provided.

Naqvi also noted that Bangladesh had informed the ICC of security concerns, declining to tour India, but was instead excluded from the World Cup rather than being offered an alternative venue.

The PCB chairman further stated that if Pakistan decides not to participate, it would forfeit the significant participation revenue, but refusing to play against India would inflict greater losses on India.