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Published : 26 Jan 2026, 07:02 PM
Pakistan’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup will be finalised either on Friday or Monday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said after a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
On Monday, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, met with Shehbaz.
Later, he wrote on X that all alternatives would be considered before a final decision is taken.
“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” Naqvi wrote on X.
Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India over security concerns opened the door for Scotland to take their place in the T20 World Cup, slated for Feb 7, the ICC announced last Saturday.
PCB boss Naqvi later said Bangladesh had been treated “unfairly” and accused the ICC of “double standards”.
Naqvi had earlier explained that the Pakistani premier was abroad, and a final decision on Pakistan’s participation would follow discussions upon his return.
The expulsion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders on the directive of the Indian cricket board sparked the issue.
The following day, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally informed the ICC that the Tigers would not travel to India due to security risks and requested that their matches be moved elsewhere.
Two rounds of meetings were held between the ICC and BCB, with Bangladesh repeatedly highlighting security concerns.
The ICC, however, maintained that there were no specific threats to any team.
In the final ICC board vote on Jan 21, Bangladesh lost 14–2, reportedly only receiving Pakistan’s support.
When given a day to consult with players, Bangladesh reiterated its firm stance through Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul. On Friday, ICC made it official -- Scotland was to replace Bangladesh in the showcase event.
The T20 World Cup will be jointly held in India and Sri Lanka.
Before the 2025 Champions Trophy, and under existing agreements with the Indian board and ICC, Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, beginning with the opening clash against the Netherlands.
