ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India in protest over Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament, media reports said, after Chairman Mohsin Naqvi concluded consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Bangladesh had refused to travel to India and requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its matches to co-host Sri Lanka over security concerns. The ICC declined the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the mega event.
The decision was made during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House, media reports said.
Officials discussed multiple options before agreeing that Pakistan will not play India on February 15 in Colombo.
By skipping the match, Pakistan risks losing two points in the World Cup standings.
Sources said the boycott could cause significant financial losses for the International Cricket Council (ICC), as India–Pakistan matches generate major global revenue.
The PCB believes it has the right under tournament regulations to opt out of the match.
Mohsin Naqvi also discussed Pakistan’s overall participation in the T20 World Cup during his meeting with the prime minister.
The PCB has decided to consult Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar before making any final announcement.
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Earlier, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said consultations were ongoing and that the public would be informed once a final decision is taken.
