Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup will be decided by the federal government, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday, following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi said the issue would be placed before Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif once he returns from an overseas visit, stressing that the government’s decision would be final and binding.
“Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government,” Naqvi said. “Our PM is out of the country. When he comes, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding and if they say no, then the ICC may invite any other team.”
Bangladesh were dropped from the T20 World Cup after refusing to travel to India, citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently replaced them with Scotland.
Under an existing arrangement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pakistan are scheduled to play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. The PCB was the only full member nation to support Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, a proposal that was voted down by 14 other member boards.
Naqvi strongly criticised the ICC’s handling of the situation, describing Bangladesh as a “big stakeholder” in international cricket who had been treated unfairly.
“Bangladesh is a big stakeholder and they have been unfairly treated in this case,” he said. “I maintained this position in Wednesday’s meeting as well, and their stance has many factors which I will explain when the situation arrives.”
The PCB chairman also questioned what he called selective decision-making by the ICC, alleging undue influence by a single member nation.
“One country is dictating,” Naqvi said. “When the ICC changed venues for Pakistan and India in a favour, then why was it not done for Bangladesh?”
Reiterating the PCB’s position, Naqvi said the board would strictly follow government directives once a decision is made.
“Our policy and position are clear. We are not under the ICC; we are subservient to our government. Once the prime minister returns, he will decide. We will follow government directives.”
