Karachi — The Pakistan Cricket Board has postponed a final decision on whether the national team will withdraw from the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, prompting former players and ex-board members to urge Pakistan to participate. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has set a deadline of Friday or the following Monday to confirm the team’s status after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament.
Several former internationals and officials argued there is little justification for pulling out. Ex-Test captain Muhammad Hafeez and other former board figures said Pakistan should compete, stressing the importance of honoring commitments and focusing on the team’s competitive prospects.
Former PCB secretary Arif Ali Abbasi warned that a withdrawal could damage relations with the International Cricket Council and other member boards. He cautioned that such a move might also strain ties with Sri Lanka, which is hosting Pakistan’s matches, including the high-profile fixture against India.
Ex-chairman Khalid Mahmood acknowledged the board’s desire to take a principled stand but said any decision must be sensible and centered on the long-term interests of Pakistan cricket. He noted that at the ICC meeting no other board supported Bangladesh’s demand to relocate matches scheduled in India.
Former Test batsman and selector-coach Mohsin Khan echoed calls to play, pointing to reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board may not formally challenge the ICC’s decision and questioning what grounds Pakistan would have for withdrawal.
Former captains Inzamam ul Haq and Mohammad Yousuf urged careful deliberation. Inzamam voiced a wish to see Pakistan compete, highlighting the team’s talent and the importance of performing in major tournaments. Haroon Rasheed, a former coach and chief selector, said Pakistan had taken a principled stand by supporting Bangladesh but now must prioritize its own cricketing interests; in his view, the reasons to withdraw are insufficient and Pakistan is likely to take part.
With the PCB weighing political and sporting considerations, former players and officials largely favor participation while calling for a decision that safeguards Pakistan’s cricketing future and international relationships.
