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LAHORE: Amid the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the PCB is exploring contingency plans should it withdraw from the tournament.

According to sources, the decision is expected today after the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening.

Additionally, Pakistan has linked the launch of the T20 World Cup kit after the final decision. The kit unveiling ceremony was originally scheduled for 31 January, Friday, during Pakistan and Australia’s second T20I.

Sources familiar with the matter also say that, if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, the PCB has devised a plan to hold a domestic tournament, including Pakistan’s senior team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the U19 squad, divided into four teams.

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For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after Bangladesh refused to travel to India.

Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

READ: Cameron Green makes ‘chucking’ gesture after Usman Tariq dismissal

BULAWAYO: Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of the crucial India clash in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 as wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the tournament.

Shayan, 18, was struck on the nose while keeping to a fast-bowler during a scenario-based practice match. Following the blow, he was taken to hospital, where X-rays confirmed a fracture.

Mohammad Shayan — top order batter, replacement will be named in due course.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan and India are set for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, February 1, in what has effectively become a virtual knockout for a place in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

While fans are already dreaming of a potential Pakistan vs India final, the reality is that both teams qualifying from Super Six Group 2 is highly unlikely, though not impossible.

The outcome hinges on the result of England vs New Zealand, currently underway.

England currently lead their Super Six group, boasting an unbeaten 3-0 record, which includes wins carried forward against Pakistan and Zimbabwe from the group stage.

If England beat New Zealand, they will finish on eight points, securing a semi-final spot and leaving only one place for either Pakistan or India.

However, if New Zealand manage to turn things around and pull off an upset, the door opens for both Pakistan and India.

In that scenario, a Pakistan win over India on Sunday would create a three-way tie at six points, with Net Run Rate (NRR) deciding the top two teams to advance.

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At present, England’s NRR is 1.989, while Pakistan sits at 1.484 and India at 3.337. Pakistan can improve its NRR significantly with a dominant performance against India, potentially pipping England and qualifying for the semi-final with India.

However, in case of England’s victory, Pakistan not only have to defeat India, but to win in a manner to surpass their arch-rivals in NRR to make it to the semi-finals.

Currently, India hold the advantage with six points and a better NRR; however, the NRR gap may look daunting, but it’s not as impossible as it seems.

If Pakistan bat first and post a total of 300, they would need to win by at least 85 runs to surpass India’s NRR.

If Pakistan bowl first and restrict India to 200, they would need to chase the target in roughly 31.5 overs.

For a target of 251, Pakistan would need to finish the chase in about 33.2 overs.

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BULAWAYO: Pakistan and India are set for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, February 1, in what has effectively become a virtual knockout for a place in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

While fans are already dreaming of a potential Pakistan vs India final, the reality is that both teams qualifying from Super Six Group 2 is highly unlikely, though not impossible.

The outcome hinges on the result of England vs New Zealand, scheduled for Friday, January 30.

England currently lead their Super Six group, boasting an unbeaten 3-0 record, which includes wins carried forward against Pakistan and Zimbabwe from the group stage.

If England beat New Zealand, they will finish on eight points, securing a semi-final spot and leaving only one place for either Pakistan or India.

However, if New Zealand manage to turn things around and pull off an upset, the door opens for both Pakistan and India.

In that scenario, a Pakistan win over India on Sunday would create a three-way tie at six points, with Net Run Rate (NRR) deciding the top two teams to advance.

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At present, England’s NRR is 1.989, while Pakistan sits at 1.484 and India at 3.337. Pakistan can improve its NRR significantly with a dominant performance against India, potentially pipping England and qualifying for the semi-final with India.

However, in case of England’s victory, Pakistan not only have to defeat India, but to win in a manner to surpass their arch-rivals in NRR to make it to the semi-finals.

Currently, India hold the advantage with six points and a better NRR; however, the NRR gap may look daunting, but it’s not as impossible as it seems.

If Pakistan bat first and post a total of 300, they would need to win by at least 85 runs to surpass India’s NRR.

If Pakistan bowl first and restrict India to 200, they would need to chase the target in roughly 31.5 overs.

For a target of 251, Pakistan would need to finish the chase in about 33.2 overs.

READ: Finch, Clarke stunned over Haris Rauf’s exclusion from Pakistan T20I squad

A half-century by Tim Seifert and skipper Mitchell Santner’s three wickets steered New Zealand to a 50-run consolation win over India in the fourth T20 international on Wednesday.

New Zealand posted 215-7 after being put in to bat thanks to a century stand between openers Seifert, who hit 62 off 36 balls, and Devon Conway, who struck 44, in Visakhapatnam.

Santner led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 26 as New Zealand dismissed India for 165, pulling one back after the hosts had sealed the five‑match series in the third game.

The two teams now head into the fifth match on Saturday, the final tune-up ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand started strongly with Seifert taking on Arshdeep Singh in the opening over with three successive fours and keeping up the attack in the next over off Harshit Rana.

Conway joined the charge as New Zealand raced to 100 in 8.1 overs and Seifert reached his fifty in 25 balls.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav broke through as he removed Conway with Rinku Singh taking his first of four catches in the innings.

Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Rachin Ravindra, caught and bowled for two, in the next over and soon Arshdeep cut short Seifert’s knock with his left-arm pace.

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Kuldeep had Glenn Phillips out for 24 off 16 balls and suddenly New Zealand seemed to lose their way before Daryl Mitchell stepped in.

Mitchell struck an unbeaten 18-ball 39 and hit two fours and three sixes to boost the Kiwi total.

In reply, India lost swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma on the first ball with Matt Henry drawing a top edge to third man.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell in the next over, caught and bowled for eight off Jacob Duffy.

Santner’s left-arm spin then accounted for Sanju Samson (24) and Hardik Pandya as India slipped to 63-4.

Shivam Dube hit back in his 23-ball 65, clubbing seven sixes and three fours as he reached his fifty in just 15 deliveries.

But he was run out in an unlucky manner when a shot from Rana grazed Henry’s hand and deflected onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end.

Wickets kept tumbling and the Indian innings folded in 18.4 overs.

READ: Stokes, Moeen added to England Lions coaching staff for Pakistan series

BULAWAYO: Vihaan Malhotra’s sublime century backed by an all-round bowling effort sealed a 204 run victory for India over Zimbabwe in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.

Set daunting 353, Zimbabwe innings folded for mere 148 run total in 37.4 overs.

Pacers RS Ambrish and Henil Patel made early inroads, removing Nathaniel Hlabangana and Dhruv Patel  inside first three overs.

The third wicket fell in the eighth over as the hosts were reduced to 24-3.

However, Leeroy Chiwaula and Kian Blignaut arrested the slide with a 69 run stand. The pair brought the total to 93 in 26.5 overs.

Blignaut was cleaned bowled for 37 off 73 balls which included four boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Chiwaula held one end and stitched a 49 run partnership to keep Zimbabwe afloat.

But both batters were removed in successive overs, sparking a collapse which the side could not recover from.

Chiwaula top scored with 62 from 77 balls which included a six and seven boundaries.

For India, Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan shared six wickets between them. Meanwhile RS Ambrish also managed to took two wickets.

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Earlier, put into bat first, India managed to put 352-8 on the board at the end of their 50 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi laid a strong foundation with a brisk half-century, scoring 52 from just 30, hitting four boundaries and same number of maximums.

After a steady start, Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu forged a 113 run partnership, to propel India to a big total.

Malhotra scord unbeaten 109 from 107 balls which was laced with seven fours while Kundu’s 61 from 62 included five fours and a six.

For Zimbabwe, Tatenda Chimugoro remained the stand out bowler with three wickets to his name.

With this victory, India moved to top position in the Group 2 with six points.

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Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has suggested that Pakistan should participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

Hafeez opined on the decision in ‘X’ post amid the uncertainty regarding the team’s partcipation in the mega event.

“Pakistan should participate in World Cup 2026. @TheRealPCB,” former captain wrote.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent.

Afridi voiced his disappointment through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the ICC’s approach and accusing the governing body of applying double standards.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi wrote.

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Meanwhile PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has provided a timeline regarding the decision to play in the forthcoming event.

Naqvi took to his X handle, revealing the details regarding the decision following a ‘producitve meeting’ with the PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he wrote.

The whole development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Despite several rounds of discussions, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, eventually opting to replace them with Scotland.

For the unversed, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

A decision on Pakistan participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, is expected within days, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday.

Naqvi took to his X handle, revealing the details regarding the decision following a ‘producitve meeting’ with the PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he wrote.

The development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC’s stance has triggered unease within the PCB, which has publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.

Speculation about Pakistan’s participation intensified after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the final call will be made by the federal government.

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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.

Pakistan are due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.

If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering boycotting its high-profile group-stage match against arch-rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed on Monday.

The development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC’s stance has triggered unease within the PCB, which has publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.

Speculation about Pakistan’s participation intensified after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the final call will be made by the federal government.

According to insiders, the PCB is currently evaluating multiple protest options and intends to keep all avenues open, even if Pakistan ultimately take part in the tournament.

One of the scenarios under discussion is skipping the marquee clash against India. This move would cost Pakistan just two points in the group stage but could result in significant commercial and broadcast losses for the ICC.

Sources further revealed that Naqvi is scheduled to meet the national squad later today.

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The PCB chairman is expected to brief the players on the evolving situation, discuss team strategy and outline broader plans in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

Naqvi has previously made it clear that the PCB will adhere strictly to the government’s instructions, even if that results in Pakistan withdrawing from the event.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.

Pakistan are due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.

If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

READ: Shahid Afridi slams ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh at T20 World Cup

Blistering knocks by skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan led India to a crushing seven-wicket win over New Zealand on Friday, giving them a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.

Chasing 209 for victory, India rode on a 122-run third-wicket stand between Kishan (76) and Suryakumar, who made an unbeaten 82, to achieve the target with 28 balls to spare in the second match in Raipur.

India head into the third match on Sunday in Guwahati with an eye on the series, which is a warm-up ahead of the T20 World Cup starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The left-handed Kishan, who returned to the Indian team in the opener after two years, lifted the hosts from 6-2 with a string of boundaries.

He reached his fifty in 21 balls with a four and kept up the charge until his departure off leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. Kishan struck 11 fours and four sixes in his 32-ball knock.

Suryakumar reached his first fifty in the format for 468 days — and 23 innings — after which he raised his bat and looked up to the skies amid the applause.

His previous half-century was against Bangladesh on October 12, 2024.

Suryakumar, who hit nine fours and four sixes in his 37-ball blitz, and the left-handed Shivam Dube, who struck 36, put an unbeaten partnership of 81 to pulverise the opposition.

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Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy took a wicket each in the first two overs before Zak Foulkes conceded 24 runs off the third over, which started with a no ball for four and three wides.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 208-6 with skipper Mitchell Santner hitting an unbeaten 47 off 27 balls in a late blitz by the number seven batter.

New Zealand started strongly with opener Devon Conway and Tim Seifert taking on the opposition attack with a string of boundaries in a quickfire 43-run stand.

Medium-pace bowler Harshit Rana dismissed the left-handed Conway for the fourth time in successive white-ball matches to start with a maiden wicket. Conway made 19 off nine balls.

Wicketkeeper-batter Seifert, who made 24, followed his opening partner back to the pavilion without troubling the score as he fell to Varun Chakravarthy’s spin.

Glenn Phillips kept up the attack in his brief stay of 19 runs and, after his departure, the left-handed Rachin Ravindra took the lead in his 44 off 26 balls.

India struck regular blows including two to left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav but New Zealand batters kept up the pace and Foulkes finished with a six and four, but the effort was not enough to challenge India.

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DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday reiterated that the team will not travel to India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict.

The decision was taken by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul following a meeting with the national team players and board officials.

“There is no scope to change our decision. We are not giving up yet. Our team is ready, and we still hope that the ICC will deliver justice. We want the ICC to take our genuine security risk into consideration and allow us to play in Sri Lanka,” he told reporters.

“There has been no change in the security risk situation regarding playing in India at present. This concern is not based on any abstract or hypothetical idea; rather, it stems from a real incident in which the Indian cricket board failed to provide security to one of our top players [Mustafizur Rahman] under pressure from extremists, and he was asked to leave India,” he added.

He highlighted security concerns, noting that the Indian government and cricket apex body have provided no guarantee of players’ safety.

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“Since the Indian cricket board is effectively an extended arm of the government and could not ensure the safety of even a single player, no assurance has been given by the ICC or the Indian government that they would be able to guarantee the security of our entire team, journalists, and spectators,” he concluded.

A day earlier, ICC turned down Bangladesh’s plea to relocate World Cup matches from India, keeping the tournament’s schedule unchanged, a decision taken during a board meeting.

For the unversed, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup