The uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is beginning to wear thin, with the cricketing world growing increasingly impatient over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s last-minute indecision.
The suspense, created at the eleventh hour by the PCB, has sparked serious debate over whether such hesitation is unfairly holding the tournament — and the sport — hostage.
⏳ Deadlines Pass, Clarity Still Missing
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s first deadline on Friday passed without any official announcement, despite earlier assurances. With a final deadline now set for Monday, questions are being raised about the prolonged silence and its wider implications.
Pakistan announced their World Cup squad nearly a week ago, naming Salman Ali Agha as captain, but Naqvi deferred the final call to the government. While an official confirmation remains pending, reports indicate that flights to Colombo have been booked for Monday, February 2, once Pakistan complete their home T20I series against Australia on Sunday.
🇵🇰 Signals from Pakistan Suggest Participation
Sources suggest that Pakistan are likely to go ahead with the tournament. Naqvi reportedly advised Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the importance of maintaining “good relations with the ICC” during their recent meeting.
However, conflicting reports continue to circulate. One emerging possibility is Pakistan participating while displaying a symbolic message in support of Bangladesh, a move that could allow them to play without fully backing down politically.
🗣️ Former Players Split Over the Standoff
The situation has sharply divided the cricketing fraternity.
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Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan slammed the uncertainty, calling the entire episode “absolute nonsense.”
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Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane questioned whether Pakistan would risk a boycott, citing serious legal and financial consequences.
Even within Pakistan, senior voices are urging caution.
Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has reportedly called the idea of a boycott senseless, while Rashid Latif suggested Pakistan should selectively avoid the India match on February 15 to financially impact the BCCI and ICC.
“Nonsense! Absolute nonsense. If you have already agreed to the hybrid model and to play in Sri Lanka, then why create this situation now?”
— Irfan Pathan
🔐 Sri Lanka Steps Up Security
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India, has assured maximum security for the event. The island nation will deploy elite armed units, especially for high-risk fixtures such as India vs Pakistan.
Sri Lanka will host 20 matches between February 7 and March 8, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirming that the tournament has been given the “highest priority” in terms of safety and logistics.
A total of 24 on-field umpires will officiate during the group stage, including experienced names like Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Langton Rusere, and Adrian Holdstock.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Squad:
Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
