LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi has ordered the immediate suspension of all preparations for the Pakistani cricket team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to sources, following instructions from Naqvi, the PCB has halted every aspect of the team’s preparations for the tournament.
The development stems from Bangladesh’s request for a neutral venue for their matches in the World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladeshi authorities contacted the Pakistani government seeking assistance in this matter, and in response, Pakistani officials assured Dhaka of full support.
Pakistan has now taken a firm stance, stating that if the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) demand for a neutral venue is not accepted by the ICC, Pakistan may reconsider sending its team to the tournament.
It is pertinent to mention that the controversy arose after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the IPL 2026, following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This action prompted the BCB and the Bangladeshi government to adopt a strong position, demanding that the ICC provide a neutral venue for Bangladesh’s World Cup matches due to security concerns in India.
Negotiations between the BCB and ICC officials are ongoing, with the Bangladeshi board firmly sticking to its demand for a neutral venue.
