However, clarity may emerge later today. According to a report by Geo News, Pakistan is prepared with a contingency plan and will not remain idle if it decides to boycott the World Cup, with an alternative tournament already under consideration, similar to Bangladesh’s response.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at 6:00pm today, with the government’s directive expected to determine the fate of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’s participation in the global event.
Earlier, the PCB postponed the unveiling of Pakistan’s World Cup jersey citing “unavoidable reasons,” and a final decision could be announced today rather than waiting until Monday.
If Pakistan withdraws from the World Cup, the PCB plans to organise a four-team domestic T20 tournament in Lahore.
According to PCB sources, the competition would feature national team players, with teams formed from combinations of the senior national side, the Shaheens, and the Under-19 squad.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier taken a similar approach after Bangladesh were excluded from the World Cup, announcing a three-team domestic T20 tournament starting February 5.
