Pakistan to decide on T20 World Cup participation in few days: Naqvi

Pakistan will take a final decision on its participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by Friday or next Monday, Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday.

In a post on X, Naqvi said he had held a “productive meeting” with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during which he briefed him on the ongoing ICC-related matter.

“The prime minister directed that the issue be resolved while keeping all options on the table,” Naqvi said, adding that both sides agreed the final decision would be taken within the next few days.

The development comes in the aftermath of ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.l, after the latter refused to travel to India amid security concerns.

Read More: Bangladesh being mistreated, says PCB chairman

In a statement on Saturday, Naqvi said Bangladesh was being mistreated and should be allowed to participate in the mega event.

Naqvi said PCB’s stance on this situation would be according to the government of Pakistan’s instructions.

“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I said the same in the board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC). You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country,” Naqvi said, adding, “That is why we have taken the stand that Bangladesh is being treated unfairly and should be allowed to play the World Cup in any case.

They are a major stakeholder and this injustice should not be done.”