Our Bureau
Islamabad
Former Pakistan captains and senior officials have united in urging the Pakistan Cricket Board to send its team to the T20 World Cup 2026, warning that a pull‑out over the Bangladesh‑India venue row could damage the country’s standing with the ICC and other members of board. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said Pakistan’s participation is “on hold” and will depend on a government decision due this week, after he publicly backed Bangladesh’s demand to move matches out of India.
Several ex‑players have questioned the logic of sacrificing Pakistan’s World Cup campaign for a cause that other boards have not supported. Former PCB secretary Arif Ali Abbasi argued that withdrawing the team would achieve little beyond souring relations with the ICC and key nations such as Sri Lanka, where Pakistan’s group‑stage fixtures are scheduled. Former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood described the board’s solidarity with Bangladesh as “laudable” but stressed that Pakistan must also protect its own cricketing interests.
Former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez, ex‑coach and selector Mohsin Khan, and past captains Inzamam‑ul‑Haq and Mohammad Yousuf have all backed the idea of fielding a full‑strength side in the tournament. Khan pointed out that Pakistan’s matches are in Sri Lanka and that Bangladesh itself does not appear to be challenging the ICC ruling, asking on what grounds Pakistan would then stay away. Inzamam said Pakistan’s cricket needs its team to perform in major events, especially with a talented squad in contention. Veteran selector‑cum‑coach Haroon Rasheed added that there is “not enough reason” for a boycott and expects Pakistan to ultimately take part.
