Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday (January 24) said that Pakistan government will take a final call on national team’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, following Bangladesh’s ouster from the marquee event.

Addressing the media in Lahore, Naqvi said the matter would be discussed with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is currently out of the country.

“Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government,” Naqvi told reporters.

“Our PM (Shahbaz Sharif) is out of the country. When he comes, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding, and if they say no, then they (ICC) may invite any other team.”

While the BCB had cited 'security concerns' in India to move its matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC categorially stated that there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any tournament venues in the neighboring country.

The apex body was clear in its communication to the BCB, stating that if they decide not to travel to India, they would be replaced by the next-best-ranked team in Group C.

Despite the warning, the BCB remained firm in its stance of boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. As a result, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 20-team competition.

On the other hand, Pakistan are slated to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model agreement with the BCCI and ICC till 2027.

PCB was the only member nation to vote in favour of taking Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka, as 14 others voted against it. The Tigers were scheduled to play their group-stage matches in India (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai).

Naqvi said Bangladesh had been unfairly treated by the ICC in this row. “Bangladesh is a big stakeholder and they have been unfairly treated in this case. This I maintained in Wednesday’s meeting as well and their stance has many factors which I will tell when the situation arrives,” he said.

The PCB chairman termed it as selective decision-making by the global body, alleging that “one member nation” was exerting undue influence.

“One country is dictating. When the ICC changed venues for Pakistan and India in a favour, then why it was not done for Bangladesh?” asked Naqvi.

“Our policy and position are clear. When the time comes, and the government makes a decision, everyone will know about it. We are not under the ICC; we are subservient to our government. Once the PM returns, he will decide. We will follow government directives.”

(With PTI Inputs)