Pakistan’s government is expected to take a conclusive decision later this week on the country’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, after a high-level briefing on the controversy surrounding the event and a standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Interior minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday, calling the discussion “productive” and saying the premier had instructed that all options remain open, Pakistani news outlet The Dawn reported. ADVERTISEMENTNaqvi said a binding decision on Pakistan’s involvement, precipitated by the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament, is expected either by Friday or next Monday. The latest developments come a day after the PCB announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, stepping back from earlier veiled threats to boycott the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh. Earlier, Naqvi and PCB officials had criticised the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s exclusion, calling it unfair and highlighting the treatment of cricket boards around scheduling and security concerns.

Source: The Telegraph January 26, 2026 15:57 UTC