According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring various protest options, including a potential boycott of their February 15 match against India in Colombo, following the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to expel Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup.

 

PCB holds the option to skip the India match, which would result in only a two-point deduction for Pakistan. 

 

However, such a move could inflict significant financial losses on the ICC, given the commercial value of an Pak-India encounter. Reports indicate that even if Pakistan decides to participate in the World Cup, the board will keep its options open regarding future decisions.

 

On Sunday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with national cricket team players in Lahore and briefed them on the board's position regarding the T20 World Cup and the players fully supported Naqvi's principled stance.

 

"Bangladesh Cricket Board's position on not playing in India during the World Cup is based on principles. PCB rejects ICC's double standards," Naqvi stated. "We have supported Bangladesh keeping in mind cricket's golden principles. We will follow whatever decision the Pakistani government makes."

 

The players expressed their solidarity, saying: "We all stand with PCB's principled position."

 

Naqvi emphasized that politicised cricket serves no one's interests. "Politics-infused cricket benefits no one. Everyone should follow cricket's principles. Our players are talented and know how to compete in every respect. Success in any field comes through teamwork," he said.

 

The controversy stems largely from a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) incident where Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups. 

 

Bangladesh argued that if India couldn't protect a single player in their domestic league, how could they ensure the safety of an entire national team during the World Cup.

 

However, ICC rejected Bangladesh's request and replaced them with Scotland in the group. 

 

PCB Chairman is expected to hold an important meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today to discuss the matter. The consultation will determine Pakistan's final stance on participating in the tournament, with the board maintaining that it will follow the government's decision on the issue.