Lahore (Bureau Report):
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the final decision to send the national team to the T20 World Cup will be made by the government. Speaking to the media in the provincial capital, he clarified that the PCB’s stance will align with the government’s decision.
Mohsin Naqvi said that they are awaiting the return of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasized that their accountability lies with the government, not the ICC. He stressed that no country has the authority to dictate decisions to Pakistan. At the ICC meeting, he also opposed double standards and reiterated that the PCB is bound by the government’s decisions.
The PCB chairman further stated that they have Plans A, B, and C in place, and if the government decides that the team should not play, they could even field a 22nd team. He cited Bangladesh as an example, saying that if Pakistan and India are allowed the hybrid model, then why shouldn’t Bangladesh be allowed? Bangladesh should, in any case, participate in the World Cup.
Mohsin Naqvi also mentioned that Pakistani players have been victims of fraud and said that relevant contacts will be made to resolve the matter.