Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to remain certain.
Uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, slated to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Ever since Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament for refusing to travel to India citing security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indicated that they are considering several options and a final decision on whether they take part in the marquee event will be made by their government.
Amid the uncertainty, the banter around Pakistan’s potential withdrawal has only intensified. After Iceland, Uganda joined the fun, cheekily offering to step in if a slot opens up in the global showpiece.
Taking to X, Uganda Cricket’s official account declared their readiness in case Pakistan decide to pull out of the 20-team competition.
“Dear @ICC, If a T20 World Cup seat opens, Uganda is ready — packed and padded. Passports warm (not ice). No bakers leaving ovens or ships U-turning. Heat, noise, pressure? We’ll bring the bold kit,” Uganda Cricket wrote.
Earlier, Iceland Cricket went viral after joking that they were ready to replace Pakistan, provided they were informed in advance. The post garnered more than half a million impressions, with the account even sharing screenshots of rising flight prices to Colombo.
The banter peaked when Iceland “withdrew” as well, explaining that their players were amateurs with full-time jobs.
“Our players are from all walks of life and cannot simply drop their occupations to fly halfway around the world,” the account said.
“Our loss is likely Uganda’s gain,” the post concluded.
Pakistan are slated to play all their T20 World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model agreement with the BCCI and ICC till 2027.
Meanwhile, a report published in PTI claims that the PCB has already scheduled its T20 World Cup team to depart for Colombo early on Monday (February 2), ruling out any boycott of the competition or the high-stake fixture against India on February 15.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on January 26 to discuss the government's stand on T20 World Cup participation after Bangladesh’s ouster from the tournament.
Following the meeting, Naqvi confirmed through social media that a final call is expected on either January 30 or February 2.