Aaqib Javed: Pakistan's T20 World Cup Participation Awaits Government Nod

Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announcing a 15-member squad, after the head coach and selectors confirmed that final clearance from the government is still awaited.

The squad was unveiled at a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium by PCB High Performance Director and selector Aaqib Javed, white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson, and newly appointed captain Salman Ali Agha. However, Javed clarified that while the selectors have completed their task, the ultimate decision on participation lies with the Pakistani government.

“We are selectors, and our job is to pick the team. We’ve announced the squad close to the deadline, but the government will decide on our participation. I can say nothing on that front,” Javed said, indicating that Pakistan’s presence at the global event is not yet guaranteed.

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The uncertainty follows earlier remarks by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who had threatened a boycott of the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC replaced them with Scotland due to Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India, citing security concerns. Although the squad announcement suggests readiness to compete, the political and administrative clearance process remains unresolved.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka, with all of Pakistan’s group-stage matches slated to take place in Sri Lanka. Pakistan are placed in Group A and will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, with the squad largely mirroring the group selected for the upcoming home T20 series against Australia. The selectors have included specialist spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, alongside spin all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub, while several players, including Agha, Faheem Ashraf, and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, have received their first-ever T20 World Cup call-ups.

The PCB, BCCI, and ICC had earlier entered into a tripartite agreement ensuring that India-Pakistan matches until 2027 would be played at neutral venues, but despite that arrangement, Pakistan’s final participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup now hinges on a government decision awaited in the coming days.

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