Pakistan’s T20 World Cup participation hangs in the balance as the team prepares to fly to Colombo despite political and administrative uncertainty. Consultations with top leadership continue, while players stay focused amid speculation over boycott or participation.
Uncertainty Over Pakistan’s Participation
New Delhi: Pakistan’s plans for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup have taken an unexpected and dramatic turn. Even though the tournament is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, there is still no final confirmation on whether Pakistan will actually take part.
Despite this uncertainty, the national team is already scheduled to fly to Colombo on Monday, indicating that preparations are continuing while officials deliberate behind the scenes.
ICC warns Pakistan after boycott threat; What PCB could lose if isolated
According to reports, the Pakistan team is booked on the same flight as the Australian squad, traveling via an Air Lanka service from Lahore to Colombo. Sources suggest that a final decision is likely to be taken before the team boards the aircraft, possibly within the next few days.
The confusion began after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to shift their World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. In response, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi raised objections and hinted that Pakistan could reconsider its participation in the tournament as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh.
Naqvi’s stance added a political and diplomatic layer to what is essentially a cricketing decision. His comments created uncertainty not just among fans, but also within the team setup.
To navigate the situation, Mohsin Naqvi sought guidance from Pakistan’s top leadership. He met Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister reportedly supported Pakistan’s principled stand but warned against boycotting the tournament due to potential financial losses and broader consequences.
Pakistan's Boycott Call May Cost Pakistan T20 World Cup Spot
Naqvi also consulted President Asif Ali Zardari and the military establishment. Additionally, he spoke with former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja. Both former officials reportedly advised that Pakistan should send the team to Sri Lanka and avoid boycotting high-profile matches, including the crucial game against India.
While administrators debate, the players have been instructed to remain focused and positive. Pakistan is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Australia starting Thursday in Lahore, and the team management wants the players fully concentrated on performance rather than politics.
Asia Cup 2025: Handshake row escalates, Pakistan threatens to boycott matches; Now what next?
In fact, some players, particularly those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have already packed for a potentially extended overseas stay, anticipating that they could be out of the country for more than a month if the World Cup participation is confirmed.
As of now, all signs point to a decision being imminent. With flights booked, preparations ongoing, and consultations nearly complete, clarity is expected soon. Until then, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign remains suspended between readiness and uncertainty.
