Argus News - Will Pakistan Play the T20 World Cup? Final Call Looms despite Confirmed Tickets

New Delhi, Jan 29: Despite the uncertainty, tickets are already booked for Pakistan team to fly out to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup.  

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign has been thrown into uncertainty, even as the team remains scheduled to depart for Colombo on Monday. The tournament will commence on February 7 and will conclude March 8, but a final decision on the team’s participation is expected just before the squad boards its flight.

According to reports, the Pakistan team has been booked on an Air Lanka flight from Lahore alongside the Australian contingent. Reports indicated that clarity is likely by Friday, with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expected to confirm the team’s involvement in the event.

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Naqvi had earlier cast doubt on Pakistan’s participation after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. In solidarity with Bangladesh, Naqvi suggested Pakistan could withdraw. He later met Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad to seek guidance.

Insiders revealed that while the Prime Minister supported Pakistan’s stance, he cautioned against a boycott due to possible financial consequences. Naqvi also consulted President Asif Zardari, the military establishment, and former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja. Both ex-chiefs reportedly advised sending the team to Sri Lanka and not boycotting the India fixture.

Despite the political wrangling, preparations continue. Pakistan will host Australia in a three-match T20I series in Lahore starting Thursday. Players have been instructed to stay focused and maintain a positive outlook regarding the World Cup. Some squad members from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have even packed for an extended stay abroad, anticipating a month-long campaign.