Amid the controversy over Bangladesh’s removal from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision about Pakistan’s participation would be taken by the government.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, shortly after the International Cricket Council (ICC) formally removed Bangladesh from the tournament, Naqvi criticised the world body for what he described as “double standards” and termed Bangladesh’s exclusion an “injustice”.

“Our stance on World Cup participation will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me,” Naqvi said.

“The prime minister is not in Pakistan at the moment. Once he returns, I will be able to give a final decision. This is the government’s decision. We follow the government, not the ICC.”

Pakistan has publicly backed Bangladesh over its request to shift matches from India due to security concerns.

The tournament is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh scheduled to play all its matches in India.

However, Bangladesh had expressed security concerns and requested a neutral venue, citing deteriorating relations with India.

On Saturday, the ICC announced Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup, with Scotland named as their replacement.

Naqvi strongly criticised the decision, saying Bangladesh had been treated unfairly.

“You cannot have double standards. One country cannot be allowed to do whatever it wants while others are forced to comply,” he said, adding that Bangladesh, as a major cricketing nation, deserved to participate in the World Cup.

While unverified reports suggested that Pakistan might boycott the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, the PCB has not officially confirmed any such move.

Naqvi, however, reiterated that the matter was no longer within the PCB’s control.

“If the government of Pakistan decides that we should not play, then perhaps the ICC will add another team. That is not our decision,” he said.

Pakistan is scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka under the hybrid hosting arrangement agreed upon by the PCB, BCCI and ICC for the 2024–27 cycle.

The national side is set to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 and face India in a group-stage match in Colombo on February 15.