The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with members of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad in the coming days. This meeting aims to address growing concerns and uncertainties surrounding the team's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which have intensified following Bangladesh's recent exclusion from the tournament.
Participation Hinges on Government Clearance
Questions about Pakistan's involvement first surfaced during the squad announcement press conference on Sunday. When chief selector Aaqib Javed was asked about the team's chances of playing in the global event, he stated, "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." This response highlighted the administrative and political dimensions influencing the decision.
PCB chairman Naqvi clarified the situation on Saturday, reacting to Bangladesh's ouster after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected their request to relocate matches from India due to security concerns. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan's participation now depends entirely on government clearance, putting the ball in the authorities' court regarding this sensitive matter.
Kamran Akmal's Strong Advocacy for Participation
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has emerged as a vocal advocate for Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup. Sharing his views on Shaziya Abbas' YouTube channel, Akmal stressed the importance of Pakistan taking part in the global event despite the ongoing uncertainties.
"World Cup me participate karna ya na karna government decide karegi, lekin as a cricketer main chahta hoon ki har team khele — Bangladesh bhi khele — kyunki ICC events me excitement hoti hai, players aur teams sab jeetne ke liye aate hain," Akmal stated passionately. He further added, "Jahaan tak Pakistan ka sawal hai, PCB aur government jo bhi decision legi, soch-samajh kar legi. Cricket me politics nahi aani chahiye."
Financial and Sporting Implications of Withdrawal
Akmal highlighted the significant consequences that could follow if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the tournament. "Agar ICC sanctions ki baat kare, to ye sab baad me clear hoga. Bangladesh ka World Cup na khelna unfortunate hota, aur agar Pakistan bhi aisa karta hai to Pakistan cricket ko bhi nuksaan hota. Cricket ka loss hota hai, fans ka loss hota hai," he warned.
The former cricketer pointed out the financial realities of global cricket tournaments, stating, "ICC India aur Pakistan ke bina tournament nahi karwa sakti, kyunki revenue largely inhi teams se aata hai." This underscores the economic importance of both cricketing giants to the ICC's revenue model and tournament viability.
Addressing Security Concerns and Previous Experiences
On the matter of security concerns that have been raised, Akmal referenced Pakistan's previous experience during the 2023 World Cup in India. "Security ka mudda bhi hota hai, lekin jab Pakistan team 2023 me India aayi thi World Cup ke liye, unko full security mili thi, Babar ne khud bola tha ki bahut pyaar mila," he recalled.
Akmal cautioned against statements that create unnecessary panic, saying, "Aise statements jo panic create karte hain, wo achhe nahi hote — unko control karna government ka kaam hai." He also noted that matches are being held at neutral venues, which he believes removes logical reasons for Pakistan not to participate.
India Tipped as Tournament Favorites
Beyond the participation debate, Akmal also shared his tournament predictions, tipping India as strong favorites to lift the T20 World Cup title. "Overall, trophy India jeet sakti hai, lekin cricket me kuch bhi ho sakta hai," he said, acknowledging the defending champions' solid lineup on paper and their capability to retain the trophy they won in 2024 after beating South Africa in a thrilling final.
The former cricketer expressed confidence in the current selection, noting, "Team announce ho chuki hai, isliye mujhe nahi lagta koi bada doubt hai." He emphasized that the Pakistani public would support whatever decision the government makes, while maintaining that historically, the government has not prevented the team from traveling for tournaments.
