Pakistan on its way out of T20 World Cup? Way clear for Uganda to enter tournament

NEW DELHI: With Bangladesh opting out of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns, there are indications that the Pakistan cricket team may soon follow suit. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet taken a final decision on participating in the tournament to be hosted by India. The ICC has already included Scotland as Bangladesh's replacement.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticised the ICC's decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament, stating that the final decision regarding their participation will be taken by the Pakistani government.

We are not following the ICC, but the Pakistani government. The final decision will be taken only after consulting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he returns from his foreign trip,' Mohsin Naqvi said.

In case Pakistan decides not to participate in the tournament, the International Cricket Council will pick Uganda as the possible replacement. Uganda will enter the group consisting of India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. Uganda is currently ranked 21st in the ICC T20 rankings. Uganda had previously participated in the 2024 World Cup held in the West Indies and the United States.

When a team withdraws, ICC picks a replacement based on rankings. Scotland replaced Bangladesh according to this criterion. If Pakistan withdraws, Uganda's potential is revealed as the next team higher in the rankings. With the withdrawal of Bangladesh, Scotland has been placed in Group C along with West Indies, England, Italy and Nepal. The cricket world is anxiously watching how ICC would react if Pakistan chooses to stay away from the tournament.