The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to make a final call on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 later today. As per reports, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the government is likely to make the decisive call on participation.
The ICC rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to move Bangladesh’s matches outside India. Following that decision, Bangladesh were excluded from the upcoming tournament. That development has led to growing speculation about Pakistan boycotting the global tournament as well.
PCB to Take Final Call on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Participation Today
According to Geo News, the PCB is expected to take a final call on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. While travel arrangements to Sri Lanka have reportedly been made for Salman Ali Agha and the squad, the board has not publicly confirmed its decision.
Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at 6 pm, where the issue is expected to be discussed in detail. The outcome of this meeting is likely to determine whether Pakistan will take part in the tournament, keeping the situation uncertain until an official announcement is made.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to decide on the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 today,” sources told Geo News on Sunday.
PCB Keeps Plan B Ready Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Mohsin Naqvi had already met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on January 26. The board is also yet to unveil Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 jersey, which was earlier delayed due to unavoidable reasons.
At the same time, the PCB has readied a backup option. If Pakistan decide not to take part in the World Cup, a four-team domestic tournament will be organized in Lahore.
The event will include players from Pakistan’s senior team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the Under-19 setup, all split into four teams to ensure competitive cricket at home.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Participation Uncertain
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India amid rising tensions. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to skip the tournament and even cancelled the planned launch of Pakistan’s World Cup jersey, stating that a final decision had not been taken.
In a statement linked to the series against Australia, the board mentioned that one of their pacers was being released because he was not part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. The post was later deleted, but it strongly hinted at Pakistan’s plans.
Reports suggest that Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka on February 2. They are also set to play a warm-up match against Ireland at the Sinhalese Sports Club two days later. The Salman Ali Agha-led team will play all of their matches, including the knockouts, in Sri Lanka.
