Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be decided by the federal government, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday, reacting to reports that Bangladesh has been replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Naqvi said the PCB would abide by the government’s directive on whether Pakistan will play the World Cup, adding that the final decision would be announced after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country.

“We are more bound by the government’s decision than the ICC,” Naqvi said. “Once the decision comes, we will share our next plan.”

Naqvi criticised the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) reported move to exclude Bangladesh, calling it unfair and reflective of double standards.

“Bangladesh is a major stakeholder. An injustice has been done to them. There should be no double standards, where one country is treated differently from another,” he said.

He said he had raised the issue during an ICC board meeting and urged the governing body to treat all member nations equally.

“We will not allow any single country to dictate terms,” he added, stressing that Bangladesh should be allowed to participate in the World Cup under any circumstances.

Bangladesh replaced by Scotland

According to Indian media reports, the ICC has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after Dhaka refused to send its team to India for the mega event.

The reports said the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request for a hearing and informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board and other member boards of its decision through a formal letter.

The reports further said Scotland will feature in Group C of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The ICC has yet to issue an official public statement on the matter.