Pakistan has decided to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Reports state that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the team’s travel plan. The squad is expected to arrive in Colombo on February 2. An official announcement is likely on Friday.
Background of the Decision
Pakistan had previously shown interest in boycotting the tournament according to earlier reports. These reports followed Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup, which is jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. There was also speculation that Pakistan might avoid playing matches against India if it took part in the event.
ICC and BCCI Response
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) did not respond to Pakistan’s concerns. The PCB did not engage in any discussions regarding this matter. Pakistan’s official stance remained unsupported because no backing was given to it by other officials.
PCB Chooses Participation
The PCB later assessed the situation and recognized that a boycott would cause significant financial and sporting losses. The board reached the decision to send the team to the tournament after evaluating all relevant factors. Reports also indicate that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to maintain stable relations with other cricketing nations.
Future ICC Tournament Arrangements
Pakistan will play its matches at neutral venues during ICC tournaments which take place in India until 2027 according to existing tournament arrangements. The current policy will apply to all upcoming events which will be held during this time period.
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