Short Description:
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup participation hangs in balance as the team prepares to fly to Colombo amid a potential boycott—all while players pack for a month away.
Read Time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Main Article:
In a dramatic twist, the Pakistan cricket team plans to depart for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup on Monday, May 27, even as their final participation in the tournament remains shrouded in uncertainty. According to a report, the team is booked on a flight to Colombo alongside the Australian squad, but the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is yet to give the official green light. The last-minute decision hinges on a complex political backdrop involving a protest against the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) handling of Bangladesh Cricket Board security requests.
The boycott threat emerged after the ICC denied Bangladesh’s plea to move World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. In solidarity, Naqvi raised the possibility of Pakistan’s withdrawal. However, following high-level consultations with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and former PCB chairmen, the financial and sporting repercussions of a boycott appear to have swayed opinion. Sources indicate that while supporting Bangladesh’s stance, the government has advised against pulling out of the global event, signaling a likely climbdown.
Meanwhile, preparations for the tournament continue unabated. The Pakistan squad is currently focused on their T20I series against Australia in Lahore. Players have reportedly been instructed to maintain a positive mindset, with some even packing for what could be a month-long overseas assignment. The looming June 9 clash between Pakistan and India in New York remains a focal point, with key advisors reportedly urging the PCB not to boycott that marquee fixture, which is crucial for both sporting prestige and substantial broadcast revenue.
Short Summary:
Amid high drama, Pakistan is set to travel for the ICC T20 World Cup despite a threatened boycott. Protests over the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s treatment have clashed with advice on major financial and sporting repercussions. Key stakeholders, including the PCB chief, now lean toward participation, with players preparing as the high-stakes Pakistan vs. India match looms.
