New Delhi, January 28: Amid swirling doubts over their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team has booked flights to Colombo, set to depart alongside the Australian squad on Monday. Sources close to the matter revealed to Telecom Asia Sport that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is expected to clarify the team’s stance by Friday.
The decision comes even as Naqvi had previously expressed reservations about sending the team to the event, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, in protest against the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s request to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. Despite this, bookings have been confirmed on Air Lanka flights from Lahore.
Naqvi recently met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to seek guidance on whether to proceed. Sources indicated that while the PM supported PCB’s solidarity with Bangladesh, he advised against boycotting the tournament to avoid financial repercussions.
Further consultations involved President Asif Ali Zardari and military leadership, followed by discussions with former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja, both advocating for the team’s participation and cautioning against forfeiting the high-profile India clash.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is gearing up for a three-match T20I series against Australia starting Thursday in Lahore. Players have been instructed to maintain optimism regarding World Cup involvement, with some from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa arriving with luggage packed for an extended stay abroad, anticipating over a month away from home.
As the clock ticks towards the mega event, all eyes are on Naqvi’s forthcoming announcement, which could shape the tournament’s dynamics and Pakistan’s cricketing calendar.