The Pakistan Government has granted permission for the National team to compete against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. This decision followed a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Naqvi indicated on social media that the final verdict would be disclosed by Friday or Monday, but sources have confirmed that Pakistan will indeed face India in the T20 World Cup.
Naqvi, the PCB chairman, briefed Prime Minister Sharif extensively on the ICC T-20 World Cup and the ongoing situation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. There were speculations that Pakistan might boycott the match against India or even the entire tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh. However, reports suggest that Pakistan is set to play and may express some form of protest, such as wearing black armbands or issuing a statement supporting Bangladesh before the match.
In a strategic move, PM Sharif has instructed the PCB to correspond with the ICC regarding the Bangladesh issue. Pakistan stands out as the sole board among the top affiliated national associations backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board. By delegating the decision to Naqvi and the PCB, the Pakistan government aims to exert pressure on the ICC to address the matter.
