Pakistan players to BACKSTAB Mohsin Naqvi? Cricketers’ reaction to T20 World Cup boycott threat revealed

Pakistan players to BACKSTAB Mohsin Naqvi? Cricketers’ reaction to T20 World Cup boycott threat revealed

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Mohsin Naqvi is once again causing a stir as the country’s participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup hangs in the balance. Naqvi recently informed the Pakistan players and head coach that they are still awaiting a decision from the government to finalize their World Cup plans. Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board announcing their 15-member squad for the tournament, the uncertainty surrounding their participation persists.

### PCB Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC T20 World Cup
In a recent press release, head coach Mike Hesson, National selection board member Aaqib Javed, and Captain Salman Agha unveiled the squad and addressed various questions related to the selection. Hesson highlighted the importance of Babar Azam and a change in his role within the team, while also explaining the omission of bowlers like Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. However, Javed emphasized that the announcement of the squad does not guarantee Pakistan’s commitment to participating in the World Cup.

### Pakistan’s Participation Subject to Government Decision
Following the squad announcement, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with head coach Mike Hesson and the players to discuss the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup. Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament is contingent upon the government’s decision. He briefed the players and coach on the broader context of the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland, following the BCB’s boycott of the tournament due to security concerns in India.

### Players Support PCB’s Position
During the meeting, the Pakistan players expressed their support for the board’s stance on the World Cup issue. They assured Naqvi that they would stand by whatever decision the government and board make regarding their participation in the tournament. Naqvi made it clear that the team announcement should not be interpreted as a confirmation of Pakistan’s involvement in the ICC T20 World Cup, hinting that they may withdraw from the competition if instructed by the government.

### Uncertainty Looms Over Pakistan’s World Cup Participation
Naqvi’s stance on the matter remains firm, with the final decision resting with the government. Despite the scheduled matches in Sri Lanka as part of an agreement with the BCCI, Naqvi has ruled out the team announcement as a green light for the ICC T20 World Cup. He emphasized that Pakistan will abide by the government’s advice, even if it means not participating in the tournament.

### Optimism Amid Uncertainty
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their World Cup participation, Pakistan Selector Aaqib Javed expressed confidence in the team’s abilities. Javed backed Pakistan to not only compete in the tournament but also emerge victorious in the T20 World Cup 2026. With a new coach and captain at the helm, the PCB has high hopes for the team’s performance in the upcoming T20I series against Australia and the ICC T20 World Cup.

As Pakistan awaits the government’s decision on their World Cup participation, the cricketing world remains on edge, eager to see whether the team will ultimately take to the field in the prestigious tournament.

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