PTI
Karachi, Updated At: 01:37 PM Feb 05, 2026 IST
Former Pakistani cricketers and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) members said there is no logic in pulling the national team out of the T20 World Cup merely to support Bangladesh, as the PCB deferred a final decision on participation.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has set a Friday or Monday deadline to confirm whether Pakistan will take part after Bangladesh was ousted from the tournament. Former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez and other ex-board officials urged Pakistan to play.
Former PCB secretary Arif Ali Abbasi said withdrawing would only spoil relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other member boards and warned of consequences for ties with hosts Sri Lanka, noting that Pakistan’s matches, including those against India, are due to be played there.
Ex-chairman Khalid Mahmood acknowledged the PCB’s principled stance but said decisions must remain sensible and focused on Pakistan cricket. He pointed out that no other board backed Bangladesh’s demand to move matches from India at the ICC meeting.
Former Test batsman and selector-coach Mohsin Khan also backed participation, noting reports that the Bangladesh board would not challenge the ICC decision and questioning on what grounds Pakistan should withdraw.
Former captains Inzamam ul Haq and Mohammad Yousuf urged careful consideration; Inzamam expressed a desire to see Pakistan compete, citing the team’s talent and the need to perform in major events. Haroon Rasheed, former coach and chief selector, said Pakistan had taken a principled stance supporting Bangladesh but now must prioritize its own cricket interests and is likely to participate given the lack of sufficient reason to pull out.
