ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board stands prepared with a comprehensivealternative arrangement should the national team opt out of the forthcomingICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka fromFebruary 7 to March 8. Sources indicate that a final determination onparticipation rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif followingconsultations with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The tournament featuresPakistan in Group A alongside India, the United States, Namibia, and theNetherlands, with all Pakistan matches scheduled in Sri Lanka due tobilateral agreements on neutral venues for India-Pakistan fixtures.
The uncertainty stems from recent ICC decisions regarding Bangladesh’sexclusion from the event, prompting expressions of solidarity from PCBleadership. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly described the ICC’s handlingas unfair, drawing parallels to prior regional disputes. A scheduledmeeting between Naqvi and Prime Minister Sharif, potentially at 6 pm, isanticipated to yield a conclusive announcement on whether Pakistan willproceed to the tournament or pursue domestic alternatives.
In preparation for a possible withdrawal, the PCB has devised a structuredcontingency initiative to maintain player engagement and competitiveexposure during the World Cup period. Reliable sources confirm that afour-team tournament would be organised in Lahore, utilising talent fromthe senior national squad, Pakistan Shaheens, and Under-18 players. Theseresources would be divided into four balanced sides to ensure meaningfulmatch practice and skill development without international commitments.
The proposed domestic event aims to mitigate the impact ofnon-participation by keeping players active in a high-intensity format.Dividing established senior players alongside emerging Under-18 prospectsinto competitive units would foster team cohesion and individualperformance assessment. This approach aligns with the PCB’s broaderobjective of sustaining cricket momentum domestically, particularly ifexternal factors prevent full involvement in the global showcase.
Should Pakistan abstain, the national team’s official kit unveiling wouldbe deferred or cancelled entirely, as preparatory activities hinge onconfirmed participation. Recent reports highlight the postponement of suchevents, underscoring the board’s cautious stance pending governmentalapproval. The Prime Minister holds ultimate authority in granting clearancefor overseas tours, a process influenced by diplomatic and securityconsiderations in the current cricketing landscape.
The T20 World Cup 2026 holds significant implications for Pakistan cricket,given the tournament’s prestige and revenue potential. Participation wouldprovide exposure against top teams in neutral Sri Lankan venues for keymatches, including the anticipated India-Pakistan clash on February 15 atthe R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Withdrawal could result in forfeitedopportunities for ranking points, sponsorships, and player development onthe international stage.
Nevertheless, the PCB’s proactive planning reflects strategic foresight inuncertain circumstances. By organising a Lahore-based tournament, the boardseeks to ensure that players remain match-fit and motivated, avoiding aprolonged hiatus that might affect future performances. This internalcompetition could also serve as a scouting platform for selectors eyeingupcoming bilateral series and regional events.
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Discussions around participation have intensified following the ICC’s firmstance on scheduling and venue allocations. Pakistan’s Group A fixturescommence on February 7 against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Clubin Colombo, with subsequent encounters against the United States andNamibia. The co-hosting arrangement between India and Sri Lankaincorporates safeguards for bilateral sensitivities, directingPakistan-related games to Sri Lankan grounds.
The outcome of today’s anticipated consultations will clarify Pakistan’strajectory in this major ICC event. An affirmative decision would triggerimmediate preparations, including team travel and kit formalities.Conversely, activation of the contingency plan would redirect focus todomestic cricket enhancement, prioritising long-term player welfare andcompetitive readiness.
Source:https://www.geo.tv/latest/648372-pcb-chalks-out-plan-in-case-of-non-participation-in-t20-world-cup-2026
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