Lahore, January 26, 2026: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that a decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected by Friday or Monday.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Naqvi said he held a detailed meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which he provided a comprehensive briefing on matters related to the International Cricket Council (ICC). He added that the prime minister directed that the issue be resolved by keeping all available options open.
According to the statement, Mohsin Naqvi briefed the prime minister on Pakistan’s position at the ICC and highlighted that Pakistan fully supported Bangladesh’s stance, presenting its case strongly at the international level.
Sources said that during the meeting, it was decided to lodge a strong protest with the ICC over Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup. Pakistan is expected to formally record its protest through an official letter to the ICC.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Senator Mohsin Naqvi held the key meeting in Islamabad to discuss Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026. The discussions focused on the ICC’s handling of the issue and possible responses from Pakistan.
Sources further revealed that Mohsin Naqvi informed the prime minister about what he described as the ICC’s “double standards,” stating that one set of rules is applied to India while different rules are enforced for other countries.
The meeting also reviewed various protest options following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. Among the options considered were a complete boycott of the mega cricket event or Pakistan opting not to play its match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that all options would remain under consideration. Following the discussion, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi departed after briefing the prime minister in full on the developments.