Pakistan players have expressed their support for their government and cricket board regarding the team’s participation in next month’s World Cup, according to a report.
All the top players met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore on Sunday afternoon and assured him that they would support any decision taken by the government and PCB, sources told Telecomasia.net.
“We are all with our government and cricket board and back their stance of protesting what happened to Bangladesh.”
Naqvi met the players of the World Cup squad, announced on Sunday, to brief them on the team’s participation in the T20I World Cup, amidst uncertainty following Bangladesh’s elimination from the World Cup in an unjust decision.
During the media briefing on the squad announcement,
Pakistan’s selector Aaqib Javed was questioned about the team’s chances of participating in the event. “As players and management, we are preparing for the World Cup, and it is up to the PCB and government to take a final call.”
Sources indicated that players were also discussing the possibility of a pullout. “Players, including skipper Salman Agha, have discussed this and were slightly uncertain whether they should keep preparing for the World Cup or not. In this regard, the chairman’s briefing will help them.”
After Scotland was announced as a replacement following the rejection of Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka, Naqvi made waves in the cricketing world by stating that Pakistan’s participation depends on government clearance.
“Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government,” Naqvi said on Saturday.
“Our PM (Shahbaz Sharif) is out of the country. When he returns, we will seek advice from him. The government’s decision will be final and binding. If they say no, then the ICC may invite another team.”
Naqvi mentioned that the PCB has alternate plans. “We have alternate plans A, B, and C, which we can use when the time comes. We have done this before during the Champions Trophy, so this is nothing new for us, and we know how to handle such matters.”
Pakistan’s withdrawal would be a major blow to the International Cricket Council, as the match between Pakistan and India generates significant revenue, reportedly amounting to 500 million dollars.
However, Pakistan may face financial consequences if they pull out, as the ICC might consider their reason invalid, given that they are already playing at a neutral venue without security concerns.
Last year, the ICC decided that matches between India and Pakistan, hosted by either country at ICC events during the 2024-2027 cycle, would be played at a neutral venue. This decision came after months of a stand-off ahead of last year’s Champions Trophy when India refused to travel to Pakistan over security fears.
The agreement extended to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, hosted by India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has also urged the PCB to take a firm decision.
“If the Pakistan-India match doesn’t happen, 50 per cent of your World Cup is gone. This is a great opportunity to challenge the existing cricket order. Pakistan should say they stand with Bangladesh and refuse to play the T20 World Cup. This is the time to take a stand. You need a strong heart to do it,” Latif said.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi also supported any decision related to a withdrawal. “It would be a tough decision, but I will back it. Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good grasp of all aspects. Whatever decision he makes will be right, and he should stick to it.”
