The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly prepared a contingency plan in case Pakistan decides not to take part in the T20 World Cup 2026, as uncertainty continues over the team’s participation.
According to Geo News, the PCB plans to stage a four-team tournament in Lahore if Pakistan pulls out of the global event. The competition would feature players from Pakistan and the Shaheens Under-18 pool, divided into four teams.
The development comes amid growing tension after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to shift its World Cup matches to a venue outside India.
Bangladesh sought the venue change after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision sparked strong criticism within Bangladesh cricket circles.
However, the ICC said it was not possible to revise the schedule so close to the tournament’s February 7 start. As a result, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the marquee event.
Bangladesh’s exclusion triggered reports suggesting Pakistan could also consider withdrawing from the tournament.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later today. An official decision on Pakistan’s participation is likely to follow the meeting.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7 and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Under an existing arrangement between Pakistan and India, the Men in Green will play at neutral venues in ICC events. For the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.
