Pakistan to decide on World Cup boycott within a week

Pakistan will decide within a week whether to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said he held a “productive” meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the ongoing ICC issue, during which the Prime Minister instructed that all options remain open.

Naqvi tweeted, “I informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the ICC matter. He directed us to keep all alternatives open. We have agreed that a final decision will be made either Friday or next Monday.”

Bangladesh has raised security concerns about playing the World Cup in India. While other cricket boards have not publicly supported Bangladesh, PCB has consistently backed them, including being the only board to vote in Bangladesh’s favor at the ICC.

Although a boycott was speculated, PCB is now considering alternative measures to show solidarity.

Pakistani media report that even if Pakistan participates in the World Cup, the PCB may wear black armbands, boycott the February 15 match against India, and dedicate all of its victories to Bangladeshi supporters.

MMR/MHK