The shadow of geopolitics looms large over the T20 World Cup 2026 as Pakistan’s cricket board places its team’s future in the hands of the national government. PCB head Mohsin Naqvi, doubling as Interior Minister, confirmed this stance amid fallout from ICC’s replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland over venue disputes in India.
In a candid Lahore address, Naqvi explained the deference to authority: ‘Government will rule on our World Cup participation. PM Sharif returns soon; his counsel will guide us. Their call is absolute—even if it means ICC taps a substitute for us.’ This positions Pakistan at a crossroads, balancing national interests with sporting commitments.
Contingencies are primed, Naqvi noted, referencing playbook from the Champions Trophy saga. ‘We maintain multiple fallback strategies—A, B, C—and know precisely how to activate them.’ His tone mixed resolve with pragmatism, signaling readiness for any outcome.
Unsparing towards ICC, Naqvi decried perceived favoritism: ‘A single country wields undue influence. Venue swaps happened for Pakistan and India—why not Bangladesh?’ Labeling the ouster as a miscarriage of justice against a vital stakeholder, he referenced a Wednesday meeting and promised deeper insights soon.
ICC’s announcement slotted Scotland into Group C with England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, rewarding their high qualifier ranking. This episode exposes cricket’s vulnerability to off-field politics, with Pakistan’s government now holding the decisive vote. Observers predict lasting impacts on scheduling, sponsorships, and fan sentiments as the drama unfolds.