Mohammad Hafeez gives verdict on Pakistan's T20 World Cup participation

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has voiced his opinion on whether the national team should participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Taking to social media platform X, Hafeez urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to send the team to the tournament. 

“Pakistan should participate in World Cup 2026. @TheRealPCB,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation will be made in consultation with the federal government, following a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday.

The 20-team tournament has already seen a last-minute change after the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. 

This followed Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India, a decision triggered by the release of experienced pacer Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Despite several rounds of negotiations between the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), no agreement was reached. 

The ICC ultimately dismissed Bangladesh’s request and maintained the original schedule, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum.

Sources indicated that Pakistan, winners of the 2009 T20 World Cup, could reconsider participation if Bangladesh is not allowed to play.

Addressing the media, Naqvi said the PCB will follow the federal government’s guidance. 

“Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] is currently out of the country. We will announce the final decision after his return,” he said when asked about Pakistan’s stance on the ICC’s decision regarding Bangladesh.

Naqvi criticised the ICC for what he called “double standards” in handling Bangladesh’s case. 

“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I raised the same point at the ICC board meeting. One country cannot make arbitrary decisions while treating another differently,” he said.

He added, “Bangladesh is a major stakeholder and should be allowed to play in the World Cup. This injustice should not be done.” 

Naqvi also highlighted the influence of the BCCI, stating, “One country cannot dictate another, and if this is attempted, Pakistan will take its own stance.”

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign begins against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA on February 10, India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18. 

The Super Eight stage will run from February 21 to March 1 in Colombo and Kolkata, with semi-finals on March 3 and 5, and the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo.

Pakistan Squad – T20 World Cup 2026:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.