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News India Live, Digital Desk: Just before the start of T20 World Cup 2026, the high-voltage drama going on in Pakistan cricket now seems to be calming down. Amid reports of Pakistan boycotting the World Cup in protest against Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi has clarified the situation. According to the latest reports, after meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it has been decided that the Pakistan team will participate in the tournament and no match (especially against India) will be boycotted. Why did the controversy arise? (The Bangladesh Standoff) The root of the controversy was the ICC’s exclusion of Bangladesh from the tournament and the inclusion of Scotland in its place. Bangladesh’s demand: Citing security reasons, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had demanded to hold its matches in Sri Lanka instead of India. ICC’s decision: The ICC rejected this demand on the basis of an independent security report. When Bangladesh remained adamant on coming to India, ICC removed them from the tournament itself. Pakistan’s stand: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi had called it ‘double standards’. His argument was that if Pakistan’s matches could be held in Sri Lanka (Neutral Venue) because of India, then why Bangladesh did not get this exemption? Prime Minister’s advice: “Don’t boycott, register a protest.” On Monday, Mohsin Naqvi held a long meeting with PM Shahbaz Sharif. According to sources, the Prime Minister supported the PCB’s stand of showing solidarity towards Bangladesh, but advised against a complete boycott of the World Cup.Financial loss: If Pakistan had left the tournament or did not play the match against India, it would have faced heavy fines and a cut in funds from the ICC. Threat of ban: The ICC had also given strong indications that a complete ban could be imposed on Pakistan if they leave the match without any concrete security reason.Pakistan’s preparation: Australia series and World Cup. Squad: Amidst all the uncertainties, Pakistan has announced its 15-member team, which will be captained by Salman Ali Aga. Major changes: Experienced Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf have not got a place in the team. While Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are part of the team. Next step: Pakistan team has to leave for Colombo on Monday. Before that, they will play a 3-match T20 series against Australia in Lahore from today (Thursday, January 29). Group A schedule (Pakistan matches) DateMatchVenue7 FebruaryPakistan vs NetherlandsColombo (SSC)10 FebruaryPakistan vs USAColombo (SSC)15 FebruaryIndia vs PakistanColombo (Premadasa)18 FebruaryPakistan vs NamibiaColombo (SSC)