The government has taken a clear and final decision that Pakistan will participate in the T20 World Cup but will not play any match against India. Sources say Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the decision, strengthening Pakistan’s stance at the international level.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board held detailed consultations before the decision. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the prime minister to discuss the situation and possible outcomes.
At the government level, it was stated that India has repeatedly failed to keep politics separate from sports. Therefore, Pakistan will not play a match against India under any pressure.
Under the tournament schedule, Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the United States and Namibia. Pakistan’s first match is scheduled for February 7 against the Netherlands, while the Pakistan-India match was set for February 15 in Colombo. However, sources say Pakistan will not take part in that match.
It was also shared that an official announcement regarding World Cup participation is expected after another meeting between the PCB chairman and the prime minister. If Pakistan does not participate, a backup plan includes a separate tournament in Lahore involving Pakistan, Pakistan Shaheens and the Under-18 team.
