North India Statesman
[ad_1]
News India Live, Digital Desk: Even before the start of T20 World Cup 2026, a big controversy seems to be deepening in the cricket world. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet clarified its stand regarding its participation in the upcoming tournament. According to latest reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has met the country’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in this regard and the final decision can be announced by the end of this week. The surprising thing is that Pakistan has kept the option of boycotting the tournament open after weighing the ‘political, legal and financial consequences’.
Eye on matches against Netherlands and America
According to the report of ‘Telecom Asia Sport’, Pakistan’s strategy is quite shocking. The board wants to see how the team performs in its first two matches. Pakistan’s first match is against Netherlands on 7 February and America on 10 February.
The report quoted a source as saying, “If the ‘Men in Green’ win both their opening matches, then the possibility of boycotting the mega-match against India to be held in Colombo on February 15 will become quite strong. This is because after two wins, the position in the points table will be strong for Pakistan and they can afford to abandon the match against India.”
Preparation for ‘symbolic protest’ if Bangladesh is out
The PCB is unhappy not only with the match against India but also with the inclusion of Scotland in place of Bangladesh in Group C. The board is planning to express its displeasure officially to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over this issue. Pakistan is also preparing to hold a ‘symbolic protest’ during the World Cup, information about which it will give to the ICC in writing.
Fear of legal disputes and financial loss
However, it will not be easy for Pakistan to completely boycott the tournament. The PCB’s legal advisers have warned that pulling out of matches, especially the high-profile clash against India, could have serious consequences. Due to the existing broadcast agreements, Pakistan may face heavy fines and may also face stringent sanctions by the ICC.
A big announcement may be made on Monday
The ongoing three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore ends on Sunday. It is believed that the very next day i.e. on Monday, PCB can make public its final decision on participating or boycotting the World Cup. The eyes of cricket lovers are now fixed on this big update of Monday.
