LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that Bangladesh Cricket Board’s stance on the ICC T20 World Cup is based on principles and the PCB rejects the double standards of the International Cricket Council ICC.
Naqvi explained the official PCB position on the T20 World Cup to Pakistan national cricket team players during a meeting in Lahore. The players expressed their full support and appreciation for the Chairman’s principled approach.
Naqvi explained that Bangladesh refused to play in India during the World Cup because of their fundamental principles. The PCB rejects the ICC’s dual standards. Bangladesh received our backing because we believe in the fundamental values of cricket. The decision will be implemented in full according to the Pakistani government’s decision, he said.
The players expressed their total support for the PCB position. We stand together to support the PCB because it follows a principled approach, according to its statement.
Naqvi explained that cricket should remain free from political influences and that all players must follow the core cricketing regulations. Our players possess exceptional abilities that enable them to compete in all competitive environments. He said that teamwork functions as the primary component for achieving success in any domain.
Naqvi expressed his best wishes to the national team for their upcoming T20 series against Australia while stating that cricket fans expect to see outstanding performances from the team in this series.
PCB reveals date for Pakistan Super League player auction
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced the auction of players for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled on February 11.
The upcoming auction of players will be conducted in Pakistani rupees. Sources indicate that the minimum price for players has been set at Rs 6 million, while the highest-priced player can be bought for up to Rs 42 million.
For PSL 11, each team is permitted to have a squad consisting of a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 20. The number of foreign players allowed in each squad ranges from five to seven, with each team able to field three or four foreign players in their playing XI.
All franchises have reportedly completed their preparations for the PSL 11 auction, and cricket fans are eagerly anticipating exciting bidding and the participation of prominent players before this event.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as the captain of the national T20 team. Agha, who has recently impressed with his performances, will lead a dynamic group that includes both seasoned internationals and promising new talents.
The squad features experienced players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Nawaz, alongside newcomers like Khawaja Muhammad Nafi, Muhammad Salman Mirza, and Sahibzada Farhan. Other key players include Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah, each bringing a variety of skills to the team.
Pakistan’s World Cup journey will begin on February 7, 2026, when they face the Netherlands in their opening match. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and the Pakistan team is eager to make a strong impression.
To prepare for the tournament, the squad will participate in a three-match T20 series against Australia. With a well-rounded mix of experience and youth, the Green Shirts aim to secure their second T20 World Cup title.
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