Islamabad: Pakistan could also be forced out of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup following the decision to exclude Bangladesh, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and country’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi has said.
Reacting to the International Cricket Council’s move to replace Bangladesh in the tournament, Naqvi said the global body had treated Bangladesh unfairly and that Pakistan was awaiting its government’s final decision. “If the government says no, Pakistan will not play the tournament either,” he said.
According to a report by Dawn News, Naqvi said Pakistan could reconsider its participation in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, after Bangladesh was dropped from the competition.
When asked about a possible boycott, Naqvi said a final decision would be taken once the prime minister returned. He pointed out that Pakistan had already been granted concessions by the ICC, allowing it to play all its league matches in Sri Lanka, including its high-profile fixture against India.
Backing Bangladesh, Naqvi alleged that the ICC had adopted double standards. “Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I raised this issue in the ICC board meeting as well. There cannot be one rule for one country and a different one for another,” he said.
The ICC recently confirmed Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement in the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.
The development has added fresh uncertainty around the tournament, with Pakistan’s participation now hinging on a political decision rather than purely sporting considerations.
