Lahore: Twelve days remain for the ICC T20 World Cup, being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, to kick off.
Yet, Pakistan’s participation remains in limbo.
Expected to take a call on Monday after a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan decided to stretch the drama by a few more days.
The scheduled meeting to finalise whether Pakistan will travel for the T20 World Cup did take place, after which Naqvi said that all options are still open, with a final decision expected by Friday (January 30) or next Monday (February 2).
“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” Naqvi stated on X.
The drama over Pakistan’s participation stems from the standoff between Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council (ICC). After Bangladesh stuck to the stand of not travelling to India for the World Cup over security concerns, ICC replaced them Scotland.
Pakistan, who had been backing Bangladesh’s stand, then threatened to pull out of the tournament.
The ICC has warned PCB of consequences if they pull out of the tournament.
Interestingly, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup on Sunday, but the board said participation in the tournament is subject to government approval.
Reports citing PCB sources said that Pakistan are considering skipping their group league match against India.
Pakistan have been scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka, both in league phase and knockouts, if they qualify.