PCB chief says PM Shehbaz directed him to resolve issue while ‘keeping all options on the table’
Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday. — PTV NEWS
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that matters related to the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 would be decided by Friday or next week amid reports that Pakistan are considering boycotting their high-profile group-stage match against arch-rivals India as fallout grows from the decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.
The Pakistan vs India match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo and is one of the most lucrative fixtures in global cricket. Sources within the PCB said the move was being discussed as a form of protest after Bangladesh refused to travel to India and was subsequently removed from the tournament at short notice.
According to insiders, the PCB was evaluating multiple response options and has not ruled out symbolic protests even if Pakistan continue to participate in the tournament. Skipping the India match would cost Pakistan two group-stage points but could inflict significant financial damage on the ICC, for whom the Pakistan-India contest represents a major commercial driver in the T20 World Cup.
In a post on X after a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi said he had a “productive meeting” with the premier.
“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.”
Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. 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. pic.twitter.com/6SOvNdLceW
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) January 26, 2026
Naqvi is also due to meet the national squad following the announcement of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. The meeting is expected to focus on team preparations as well as the broader situation surrounding the tournament. Naqvi has reiterated that the final decision on Pakistan’s participation will be taken in consultation with the federal government.
Naqvi has criticised the ICC for what he described as “double standards”, insisting Bangladesh had been treated unfairly. He also questioned the governing body’s consistency, arguing that if hybrid arrangements could be made in other cases, similar consideration should have been extended to Bangladesh.
He further warned against what he termed undue influence in ICC decision-making, stating that “one country cannot dictate another”, a remark widely seen as a reference to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign begins against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States on February 10, India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18.
The Super Eight stage will be held from February 21 to March 1 in Colombo and Kolkata, with semi-finals scheduled for March 3 and 5. The final is set to take place on March 8 in either Ahmedabad or Colombo.
