The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be rethinking its stance regarding the T20 World Cup. With the tournament starting soon, Pakistan’s decision to boycott the February 15 match against India has created controversy. This choice follows a directive from the Pakistani government after a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week, though the reasons for the decision have not been disclosed.
According to PTI, Chairman Naqvi, who also holds the position of Pakistan’s Interior Minister, might reverse his decision after the general elections in Bangladesh on February 12, which will replace the current administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
Pakistan has a two-day window to reconsider its decision, as Bangladesh will hold elections on February 12, just ahead of the crucial match against India.
A source close to Pakistan cricket remarked, “Naqvi, who is more involved in politics than cricket management, seems to prioritize his own interests over the national team’s welfare. He could easily shift his position after the elections on February 12.”
“There’s still time before the India match, and changes are possible. Otherwise, Pakistan risks facing isolation,” the source added, as quoted by PTI.
On Sunday, the ICC issued a statement regarding Pakistan’s decision, encouraging the PCB to participate in discussions for a resolution, and highlighted that selective participation undermines the principles of International cricket.
“The ICC is awaiting formal communication from the PCB and emphasizes that selective participation contradicts the core principle of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams are expected to participate equally according to the schedule,” the statement said.
“The ICC urges the PCB to consider the potential long-term effects of this decision on cricket in Pakistan, as it could influence the global cricket ecosystem, of which Pakistan is both a participant and a beneficiary,” the ICC concluded.