Pakistan vs Australia - (Source: X.com)
In a significant development, PCB's latest act has confirmed that Pakistan will participate in T20 World Cup 2026. Reports suggest that the Mohsin Naqvi-led board has already booked flight tickets for Colombo, for the tournament set to begin from February 7.
Pakistan will not extend its support to Bangladesh, who were kicked out of the tournament, but will participate in the event to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka despite Pakistan PM's February 2 deadline.
A report from Telecom Asia broke the news that while fans await PCB’s decision regarding the T20 World Cup 2026, the management has already booked the flights for Colombo, confirming their participation. Not only that, but Pakistan are all set to fly together with Australia to the Island Nation.
Australia and Pakistan to fly together to Sri Lanka
For the unversed, Australia have landed in Pakistan to play a three-match T20I series which will serve as the perfect practice ground ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Post the series, both teams will fly together to Sri Lanka as they will play all of their group stages in the Island Nation.
Notably, Australia are placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, which is why they will play all of their games in the Island Nation. However, Pakistan, which is placed in the group alongside India, will play in Sri Lanka because of PCB’s recent agreement and understanding with BCCI that the two neighbouring countries will opt for a hybrid model.
PCB head Mohsin Naqvi holds meeting PM Shariff
So far, after Bangladesh’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, the ball is in Pakistan’s court, whether they extend support to their Asian counterpart or not. As a result, Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with the Pakistan PM, and it was decided that a decision would be taken by February 2.
"Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday," tweeted Mohsin Naqvi.
Pakistan’s act fuels the India match boycott report
In the latest events, there are reports that PCB has devised a plan to avoid ICC sanctions and are keen on boycotting the India match on February 15 in Colombo at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
A report from NDTV stated that the PCB is seriously thinking about boycotting India match and has figured out a plan to avoid ICC sanctions.
Notably, the report mentioned that the PCB will put the decision on government and label it as the PM’s decision, citing safety, which is why the ICC cannot sanction a board for a cabinet’s decision.
Further, Pakistan’s latest decision to book flight tickets for Sri Lanka not only confirms their T20 World Cup 2026 participation, but also fuels rumours that Mohsin Naqvi and his board are serious about boycotting India during the mega-event.
