Karachi, Pakistan — Pakistan has delayed a final decision on whether its men’s cricket team will participate in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said after its chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, January 26, 2026. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Naqvi briefed the prime minister on recent developments and said that all options remain under consideration, with the final decision expected either by Friday or early next week (around February 2). He noted that government approval is required before Pakistan’s team can commit to participation, especially for matches involving India.
The uncertainty follows a controversy in which the International Cricket Council (ICC) removed Bangladesh from the 20-team event after it declined to play matches in India due to security concerns; Scotland was named as its replacement. Pakistan had supported Bangladesh’s stance, prompting criticism of the ICC’s handling of the matter.
Despite the ongoing deliberations, the PCB has already named a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Salman Ali Agha as captain. However, the PCB clarified that the squad announcement does not guarantee Pakistan’s participation until the government gives formal clearance.
The ICC has set a deadline of January 30 for all participating teams to submit their final squad lists. Pakistan’s first scheduled match is against the Netherlands in Colombo.
Originally Published By: Daily Jang, Arab News and ESPN.
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