Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Entry in Doubt as ICC Puts Bangladesh on Alert

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that a final decision on the national team’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup has been deferred.

Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to seek guidance on the issue, after which a decision was expected, but later posted on X that the matter would be settled “either on Friday or next Monday.”

Pakistan is unlikely to withdraw from the entire tournament, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering bringing back Bangladesh as a replacement if Pakistan pulls out, according to an official familiar with the discussions.

“If Pakistan decides to withdraw, Bangladesh would be offered a place in Group A and would play all their matches in Sri Lanka, as originally requested by the BCB. This arrangement would involve limited logistical challenges,” the official said.

Such a move would allow the ICC to avoid appearing to yield to Bangladesh’s security concerns about playing in India, instead presenting the change as a consequence of Pakistan’s exit.

On January 24, the ICC had replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C after Bangladesh declined to play in India citing security issues.

After his meeting with the prime minister, Naqvi — who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister — wrote on X:
“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister… 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 will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”

PCB Weighs Its Options

Another factor behind the PCB’s hesitation is the lack of strong grounds for withdrawal. Although Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s request to move matches out of India, the proposal was rejected by the ICC board.

One option reportedly under consideration is boycotting the Group A match against India in Colombo on February 15 and forfeiting the points, according to Pakistani media.

However, such a move could hurt broadcasters and sponsors, given the high-profile nature of the fixture. It could also invite disciplinary action from the ICC.

“It was on PCB’s demand that the hybrid model was agreed upon between the Indian and Pakistani boards. By not playing, they would be violating a deal they themselves negotiated,” the official said.

Other possibilities being discussed include playing matches while wearing black armbands.

BCCI Responds

Reacting to the situation, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajiv Shukla said on Monday that India had offered full security to Bangladesh.

“We wanted Bangladesh to play and assured them complete security, but since they took this decision, it became very difficult to change the schedule at the last moment. That is why Scotland was brought in,” he told ANI.

Shukla also criticized Pakistan’s involvement in the matter.

“Pakistan is intervening without any reason and provoking Bangladesh. Everyone knows what the Bangladeshis suffered in the past, and now Pakistan is trying to mislead them, which is completely wrong,” he said.