Lahore, January 24, 2026 – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken by the Government of Pakistan, stressing that the PCB is bound by government directives more than those of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi said the PCB is awaiting the return of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a final decision regarding participation in the World Cup. He added that once the government’s decision is announced, the PCB has Plan A, Plan B and Plan C ready to implement.
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Commenting on Bangladesh’s situation, the PCB chairman said Bangladesh has been treated unfairly and should be allowed to participate in the T20 World Cup. He stated that Bangladesh holds an equal status within the ICC.
“If India can be facilitated in Pakistan’s case, then Bangladesh deserves the same right,” Naqvi said, calling the situation a double standard. He added that no single country should be allowed to dictate terms to others, warning that if this continues, Pakistan will also adopt a clear and firm stance and stand by it.
Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the PCB’s position on the ICC World Cup would be exactly in line with the Government of Pakistan’s decision. He clarified that if the government decides not to send the team to India, the PCB will fully comply with that decision.
He said it was not appropriate to go into further details at this stage, but assured that all facts would be placed before the nation when necessary.
Responding to a question, Naqvi said a decision had also been taken on May 10, after which no clear roadmap was outlined for future developments.
Talking about other cricket-related initiatives, the PCB chairman announced that a merchandising shop for the public has been formally inaugurated, with similar outlets planned for Karachi and other cities.
He further said that the Punjab government is taking comprehensive measures to beautify Gaddafi Stadium and its surrounding areas. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman has prepared a detailed plan for the project, while work has also begun on the construction of a cricket stadium in Soon Valley.
Mohsin Naqvi added that the Punjab government, in collaboration with the PCB, will form local-level cricket teams and take practical steps to improve the standard of cricket across the province.
Addressing journalists, he announced that a plan has been finalized in coordination with the Federal Minister for Information, under which residential plots will be allotted to journalists across Pakistan in Islamabad. He said the Minister for Information and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) are jointly working on the project, with the minister taking a keen personal interest.
Responding to a question regarding alleged fraud involving cricketers, Naqvi said no one has contacted him so far on the matter. However, he assured that if players approach him, the issue will be thoroughly examined.