T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Names Squad, But Participation in Doubt Pending Government Nod

Lahore: Pakistan has announced its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month. However, despite the squad announcement, doubts loom over the team’s participation in the tournament due to ongoing political tensions surrounding Bangladesh’s exclusion from the event.

Earlier, Pakistan had threatened to boycott the tournament in protest of Bangladesh’s exclusion, drawing a reprimand from the International Cricket Council (ICC). In the latest development, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has advised the team to keep preparations on hold until the government gives final instructions.

Key Points on the Situation:

1. Players Meet PCB Chairman After Squad Announcement
   The squad was announced on Sunday afternoon, after which Naqvi met the players and head coach Mike Hesson in Lahore. According to the PCB, Naqvi informed the team that participation in the tournament will depend entirely on government directives. Any instructions from the government will be strictly followed.
2. PCB Awaits Government Signal
   Naqvi explained the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland and emphasized that squad selection does not automatically confirm tournament participation. “We are awaiting the government’s signal, and we will act according to their guidance,” the PCB release stated.
3. No Participation If Government Denies Permission
   Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, made it clear to the players that if the government refuses permission to participate, the team will not travel for the World Cup. He also reminded the squad of the high expectations of fans and urged them to perform their best in both the upcoming World Cup and the ongoing white-ball series against Australia.
4. Players Express Full Support
   The PCB release noted that players assured Naqvi of their full support regarding any government decision. “Whatever the government decides, we are with them,” the players reportedly said, backing the suggested boycott. Salman Ali Agha will lead the 15-member squad for the tournament.
5. ICC Issues Strict Warning
   The ICC has already issued a stern warning to Pakistan. Any boycott could lead to Pakistan being barred from ICC events, denial of NOCs for foreign players in the PSL, and the suspension of bilateral series involving Pakistan.

With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, the PCB and the Pakistan government remain in discussions, and the team’s final decision on participation is expected shortly.