Cricket’s global stage faces fresh uncertainty with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stating Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 entry depends on governmental approval. Triggered by ICC’s swap of Bangladesh for Scotland after the former balked at India-hosted matches, the move has prompted PCB’s alignment with Dhaka.
Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, was forthright in Lahore: ‘We’ll play only if the government greenlights it. PM Shehbaz Sharif is traveling; post-return discussions will seal it. Government word is law—if vetoed, ICC replaces us seamlessly.’
Emphasizing preparedness, he disclosed layered alternatives: ‘Options A through C are battle-tested, much like our Champions Trophy maneuvers.’ This reveals a PCB attuned to diplomatic cricket currents.
ICC faced Naqvi’s ire for alleged capitulation to one power—India implied. ‘They accommodated Pakistan-India venue shifts but snubbed Bangladesh? Unacceptable,’ he fumed, decrying the wronging of a major player. From a mid-week huddle, more intel is pending.
Scotland now bolsters Group C opposite England, West Indies, Italy, Nepal—their merit as top excluded qualifier undisputed. As Pakistan pends approval, this saga spotlights how state politics infiltrates sport, threatening cohesion and captivating audiences ahead of 2026.