The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly faced embarrassment after a press release about Pakistan’s T20 World Cup travel plans was leaked online. The PCB later deleted the release and reposted it with a key paragraph removed, but several Pakistani journalists also shared the issue on social media platforms.
Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains unclear, even though the team is set to leave for Sri Lanka on Monday, February 2. According to reports, the Pakistan squad may fly to Colombo on an Air Lanka flight that could also carry Australia. The PCB continues to maintain its stance in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Uncertainty Continues Over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Stance
🚨Pakistan media manager revealed the plan for T20 World Cup travel in the PCB Media Whatsapp group and deleted.#PCB #T20WorldCup2026@rohitjuglan with the update pic.twitter.com/bJzAvk8KuT
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 31, 2026
According to a report by RevSportz, uncertainty still surrounds Pakistan’s final position due to the absence of clear official confirmation. This has added tension ahead of the tournament, which begins on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka.
Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan Cricket Board are struggling to separate political messaging from cricketing decisions. Pakistan’s stance has received little support within International Cricket Council circles, leaving the PCB largely isolated.
Pakistan appears to be aligning with Bangladesh’s concerns. However, the report warned that any escalation, such as refusing to play a match, could bring Pakistan into direct conflict with the ICC rather than strengthen its position.
Questions Raised Over Consistency of Pakistan’s Stance
There have been questions over the consistency of Pakistan’s stance. Many are asking whether the position applies only to one opponent or if it would also hold in bigger games, such as a semi-final or final against India.
The issue has also come into focus because of the Under-19 World Cup match between India and Pakistan scheduled for February 1 in Zimbabwe, which is a must-win game for the Men in Green.
Pakistan could face sanctions, financial losses, strained relationships, and a growing image of instability within international cricket.
India, meanwhile, have kept their focus on the field. Team discussions continue around the top order and the balance of the playing XI, with preparations moving ahead calmly in the final days before the tournament.
Bangladesh Out, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Decision Still Pending
The ICC removed Bangladesh from the tournament after the BCB asked to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. Notably, the ICC rejected the request but offered assurances following an independent security review. Bangladesh, however, refused to play in India.
After Bangladesh’s exit, Mohsin Naqvi met with Shahbaz Sharif and said a final call on Pakistan’s participation would be made by Monday. Pakistan are expected to play all their matches, including knockout games if they qualify, only in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the ICC had agreed that all India-Pakistan matches in ICC events until 2027 would be held at neutral venues. The deal aimed to avoid political and logistical issues and ensure smooth scheduling of global tournaments.
Also read: Huge blow: Pakistan on brink of elimination from U19 World Cup ahead of clash vs India
