Pakistan keeps all options open on T20 World Cup participation after PM–Naqvi talks

Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains undecided, with all options kept open following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

During the meeting, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the situation involving the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The prime minister directed Naqvi to work towards resolving the matter while considering all available options.

Speaking later, Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup would be taken by Friday or Monday.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Naqvi said he had updated the prime minister on ICC-related issues, adding that Shehbaz Sharif had instructed him to address the situation by keeping all options under consideration.

According to sources, Naqvi informed the prime minister about what he described as the ICC’s double standards, stating that one set of rules applies to India and another to the rest of the cricketing nations.

Sources said Naqvi pointed out that India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and was subsequently granted an alternative venue. In contrast, he said, Bangladesh had informed the ICC of security concerns over travelling to India but was not given an alternative venue and was instead excluded from the World Cup.

Naqvi also noted that if Pakistan decides not to participate in the World Cup, it would forgo a significant amount of revenue linked to participation.

However, he added that if Pakistan does not play against India, the financial and commercial loss would be greater for India than for Pakistan.