ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has said that a final decision regarding the national team’s participation in the India-hosted ICC T20 World Cup will be taken within the next few days.
The decision followed a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during which the Prime Minister was briefed in detail on the recent developments involving the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the issue be addressed by considering all available options.
It was agreed during the meeting that a final decision will be taken on Friday or next Monday after further consultations.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the meeting as positive and constructive, stating that all aspects are being reviewed while keeping national interests in focus.
Media reports said Mohsin Naqvi informed the Prime Minister that the ICC applies one set of rules for India and another for the rest of the cricketing nations.
He recalled that India had earlier refused to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, after which a neutral venue was arranged for them.
In contrast, he pointed out, Bangladesh declined to tour India citing security concerns, but instead of being offered an alternative venue, the team was removed from the T20 World Cup.
The PCB chairman further explained that if Pakistan opts out of the World Cup, it would lose the participation revenue, whereas refusing to play against India would cause greater financial and sporting loss to India.
It is worth mentioning that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the inclusion of Scotland in the tournament after excluding Bangladesh.
The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, with Pakistan’s matches set to be played in Sri Lanka, according to the tournament schedule.
