Speculation surrounding a possible boycott by Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup appears to be unfounded, with the Pakistan Cricket Board already completing preparations for the team’s departure to Sri Lanka. Sources close to the board confirmed on Thursday that the national squad is scheduled to leave for Colombo early on February 2, making any withdrawal from the tournament highly unlikely.
The finalized travel plans strongly indicate that Pakistan will participate fully in the competition, including the high-profile match against India scheduled for February 15. Insiders dismissed recent reports suggesting that Pakistan might pull out of the tournament or refuse to play India, calling such claims speculative and lacking any logical basis.
According to sources, the PCB has already invested significant logistical and administrative effort into the team’s World Cup campaign. With flights, accommodation, and training schedules in place, officials see no practical reason to reconsider participation at this stage.
The matter is further clarified by the existing tripartite agreement between the PCB, BCCI, and the International Cricket Council. Under this arrangement, all India-Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments until 2027 are to be played at neutral venues. As per the current schedule, Pakistan’s entire T20 World Cup campaign will take place in Sri Lanka, including the final if the team qualifies.
An insider pointed out that since none of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled in India, there are no grounds for a boycott. The neutral venue framework was designed precisely to address political and security sensitivities while ensuring that cricketing commitments remain intact.
Sources also revealed that the PCB had already expressed full support to the Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding its security concerns about playing in India. However, officials acknowledged that taking any further steps could potentially damage Pakistan’s position within the ICC and strain relations with other member boards.
During a recent meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the emphasis remained on safeguarding the long-term future of Pakistan cricket. According to insiders, the chairman made it clear that any decision must prioritize stability, growth, and constructive engagement with international cricket authorities.
While the Indian government has declined to send its team to Pakistan, there has been no restriction on India-Pakistan matches in ICC events or Asia Cup tournaments held at neutral venues. Pakistan has consistently maintained that politics should not interfere with sports, a stance that would make a boycott difficult to justify.
Officials believe the current rumours overlook this long-standing position and fail to explain how Pakistan could rationally skip a global tournament under these circumstances. With preparations progressing as planned, the PCB is expected to formally confirm Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup shortly.
For now, all indications suggest that Pakistan will take the field as scheduled, with the focus firmly on performance rather than speculation.