PCB cancels T20 World Cup jersey launch as Pakistan delay decision on participation: Reports

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly cancelling a planned World Cup-related event amid delays in announcing a final decision.

The PCB was expected to clarify its stand on Friday, January 30, but no official update was provided by Mohsin Naqvi or his team. According to reports, Pakistan are likely to delay making a public announcement even though an internal decision may already have been taken.

A complete boycott of the tournament in support of Bangladesh is said to be highly unlikely, while reports of Pakistan forfeiting their high-profile match against India have also been played down due to the massive financial importance of the fixture.

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Pakistan postpone World Cup-related event

Amid all these uncertainties, the PCB postponed the unveiling ceremony of Pakistan’s official T20 World Cup 2026 jersey. Pakistani media outlets reported that the kit launch was scheduled to take place after the toss of the second T20I against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, but the plan was shelved due to what officials described as “unavoidable circumstances”.

The delay comes with the World Cup set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. According to ARY News, the PCB is expected to make its final call on participation on Monday, February 2 after consultations at the highest level of the government.

Pakistan are currently placed in Group A and are scheduled to start their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. The group also includes India, the USA and Namibia. Under the hybrid model agreed upon earlier, all of Pakistan’s group-stage matches are set to be played in Sri Lanka, despite India being the main host.

Meanwhile, a PTI report suggested that the PCB has already made travel arrangements for the squad to leave for Colombo on February 2.