Adnan Farooq 
LAHORE: Talk around the next T20 World Cup has intensified as questions grow over will Pakistan play in the T20 World Cup after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi signalled participation isn’t assured. The comment landed just as the ICC confirmed a late tournament change, and fans began reading it as a pressure move. Social feeds in Pakistan and India lit up within minutes, with boycott chatter back on the timeline.
What the PCB chief actually indicated
Naqvi told reporters the final call sits with Pakistan’s government, and the board will follow that direction. The timing matters. The ICC has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh declined to play its scheduled matches in India, pushing the story into a wider politics-and-cricket debate. Official post (ESPNcricinfo on X).
So, Pakistan’s status is “not decided yet”, even though Pakistan’s league matches are slated for Sri Lanka under the event’s hybrid arrangement. Many fans still remember how tense travel talk got during earlier ICC and ACC windows. That memory is fresh.
Why this is trending right now
Three things are fuelling the noise:
- Bangladesh’s exit has reopened questions on who travels where, and on what terms.
- Pakistan vs India remains the biggest match on the schedule, and broadcasters watch every hint.
- Reports suggest the ICC could respond hard if another team pulls out, including fines and tournament penalties.
For now, the stronger signal looks like leverage, not an exit. Officials have linked the decision to the Prime Minister’s return and consultation, while cricket writers point out that venues, tickets, and TV grids are already locked in. Even players are being asked about it at training camps.
Coverage is moving fast, and the next statement from PCB or the government will likely settle the headline.
