Bangladesh has decided not to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Now, there are reports that Pakistan may also boycott this global tournament. The PCB chief has issued a statement on this matter.

Will Pakistan also boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup? PCB chief's statement has arrived.

Ever since Bangladesh decided not to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, there has been talk of Pakistan also not participating in this global tournament. Several reports have claimed that Pakistan could follow Bangladesh's lead. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has now issued a statement on this matter. Find out what he said.

If the government refuses, Pakistan will not play in the World Cup - Mohsin Naqvi

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that the country's government will make the final decision on Pakistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This statement comes at a time when Bangladesh has been excluded from the tournament. Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference that the matter will be brought before Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is currently out of the country, and a decision will be made upon his return. Scotland has now been included in the 2026 T20 World Cup in place of Bangladesh.

Speaking to reporters, Mohsin Naqvi said, " The government will decide whether we will play the T20 World Cup. Our Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is currently out of the country. We will consult him upon his return. The government's decision will be final and binding. If the government 'refuses', the ICC can invite another team."

Pakistan team will play its matches in Sri Lanka

It should be noted that the Pakistan team will not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. All of Pakistan's matches will be held in Sri Lanka. If Pakistan reaches the semi-finals, their semi-final will also be held in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, if Pakistan reaches the final, the 2026 T20 World Cup title match will also be played in Sri Lanka. 

Injustice has been done to Bangladesh – Mohsin Naqvi

Describing Bangladesh as a "major stakeholder" in world cricket, Naqvi said the ICC had treated it unfairly in this matter. He said, "Bangladesh is a major stakeholder in world cricket and has been treated unfairly in this matter. I made this point in Wednesday's meeting as well. There are many reasons behind their position, which I will disclose in due course."

The PCB chairman also questioned the ICC's decision-making process and alleged that "one member country" was exerting undue influence. Naqvi said, "One country is imposing decisions. When the ICC facilitated the relocation of Pakistan and India's cases, why wasn't the same done for Bangladesh? Our policy and stance are absolutely clear. When the time comes and the government makes a decision, everyone will know. We are not under the ICC, but are accountable to our government. After the Prime Minister's return, he will make the decision, and we will follow the government's instructions."