PCB to take ‘final decision’ on T20 World Cup participation by February 2

Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup is not guaranteed as the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, put off making the final decision, which is expected either on Friday (January 30) or Monday (February 2). 

Pakistan keep all options open

Naqvi tweeted after he met with the country’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, on Monday to confirm the deadline. 

"Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister ... Shehbaz Sharif," Naqvi tweeted. "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 [on participation] will be taken either on Friday or next Monday."

The decision comes just a day after Pakistan announced their T20 World Cup squad, though the chairman had earlier said the final decision would be made after consulting the prime minister, who at that time was out of the country.

Reports also suggest that Pakistan might boycott their game against India on February 15 rather than withdraw from the tournament entirely. Although there has not been any official word on these reports, "keeping all the options on the table" is likely to include this possibility.

Why are Pakistan mulling a boycott?

For context, Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup was put in limbo after Naqvi condemned Bangladesh’s ouster from the tournament, confirming reports that had emerged over the previous few weeks. Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after they refused to play their tournament games in India, citing security concerns.

The PCB chair accused the global governing body of having double standards, mentioning the example of India getting their matches shifted to a new venue when they refused to play the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Pakistan are scheduled to play their first game on February 7, just five days after the final call on their participation is expected to be made.

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