The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing embarrassment after a press release regarding Pakistan’s T20 World Cup travel plans reportedly leaked online. The PCB later deleted the press release and republished it, removing key paragraphs, but several Pakistani journalists also shared the issue on social media platforms.

Pakistan’s status for the T20 World Cup remains unclear, although the team is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka on Monday, February 2. According to reports, the Pakistan team may fly to Colombo on a SriLankan Airlines flight that may also carry Australia. PCB continues to maintain its stance of solidarity with Bangladesh.

Uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup stance

🚨Pakistani media manager revealed T20 World Cup travel plans in PCB Media Whatsapp group and deleted.#PCB #T20World Cup 2026@rohitjuglan With updates pic.twitter.com/bJzAvk8KuT

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— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 31, 2026

According to RevSportz, Pakistan’s final position remains uncertain due to the lack of clear official confirmation. This has heightened tensions ahead of the tournament, which begins on February 7 between India and Sri Lanka.

Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan Cricket Board are trying to separate political messaging from cricket decision-making. Pakistan’s stance has little support within the International Cricket Council, leaving the body largely isolated.

Pakistan appears to share Bangladesh’s concerns. However, the report warned that any escalation, such as refusing to participate in the tournament, could put Pakistan in direct conflict with the ICC rather than solidify its position.

Questions about the consistency of Pakistan’s stance

Questions have been raised about the coherence of Pakistan’s stance. Many have asked whether this stance only applies to one opponent, or if it also applies to bigger matches, such as the semi-finals or finals against India.

The issue has also come into focus as the U-19 World Cup match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to be played in Zimbabwe on February 1, making it a must-win match for the men in green.

Pakistan could face sanctions, financial losses, strained relations and an increasingly unstable image in international cricket.

Meanwhile, India has been focusing its attention on this area. Team discussions continue around the top order and balance of the field, with preparations quietly underway in the final days leading up to the competition.

Bangladesh eliminated, Pakistan T20 World Cup decision still pending

The ICC dropped Bangladesh from the tournament after the BCB asked for the tournament to be moved from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. Notably, the ICC rejected the request but provided assurances following an independent security review. However, Bangladesh refused to play against India.

After Bangladesh’s withdrawal, Mohsin Naqvi met Shahbaz Sharif and said a final decision on Pakistan’s participation would be taken on Monday. Pakistan are expected to play all their matches in Sri Lanka only, including qualifying for the knockout rounds.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council had agreed that all India-Pakistan matches in ICC events until 2027 will be played at neutral venues. The agreement is designed to avoid political and logistical issues and ensure smooth scheduling of global events.

Also read: Huge blow: Pakistan on the brink of elimination ahead of U19 World Cup against India