Web Desk: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan’s position on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 would align fully with the decision of the Pakistan’s government, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding the tournament.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi stressed that cricketing decisions in the current context could not be separated from government policy.
Naqvi said Bangladesh remained a major stakeholder in the World Cup and was being treated unfairly. He added that the PCB would follow the government’s direction rather than act independently of state policy.
“We are more answerable to the government than to the ICC,” Naqvi said, according to local media.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was currently out of the country and that the final decision would be taken upon his return.
Naqvi said he had raised concerns during ICC meetings, arguing against what he described as double standards in the handling of World Cup matters.
He said Bangladesh must be allowed to participate in the tournament under all circumstances, emphasizing that all ICC member nations should receive equal treatment.
“If concessions are made for India, the same approach should apply to Bangladesh,” Naqvi said, adding that no single country should be allowed to dictate terms to others.
Naqvi said the Government of Pakistan had suggested expanding the tournament field if participation disputes persisted.
“If the government says Bangladesh cannot play, then a 22nd team should be added,” he said, without providing further details on how such an expansion would be implemented.
Responding to a separate question, Naqvi said the PCB’s role was to resolve issues regardless of whether they affected ordinary citizens or professional cricketers.
“Our responsibility is to address problems wherever injustice occurs,” he said.
The ICC has not yet publicly responded to Naqvi’s remarks or indicated whether tournament plans could be revised in line with government positions.
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