Uncertainty continues to cloud Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, and the noise off the field is only growing louder. Under the leadership of the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB has stirred controversy by repeatedly hinting at pulling out of the ICC tournament. The situation became even more tense after Bangladesh’s exit, leaving serious doubts about whether Pakistan will take part.
Although the PCB has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, clarity is still missing. The players and support staff are currently waiting for further instructions from Mohsin Naqvi, as the final decision remains unclear. The ongoing confusion has once again brought politics and cricket into an uncomfortable collision.
Amid this backdrop, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has spoken out strongly against the growing influence of politics in the sport. While speaking in a media interaction, Saqlain Mushtaq expressed deep concern, saying that cricket is meant to bring people together, not create distance between nations. He stressed that political interference is harming not just the game but humanity as a whole.
Saqlain Mushtaq pointed out that the prolonged absence of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan is one of the biggest losses for the sport. The two teams last played a bilateral series during Pakistan’s limited-overs tour of India in the 2012–13 season. Since then, the rivals have only faced each other in major ICC events and continental tournaments like the Asia Cup, World Cups and the Champions Trophy.
Reflecting on this long gap, Saqlain Mushtaq said that the spirit of the game has suffered. According to him, cricket should be a source of joy and entertainment, not conflict. He urged that the sport should never be treated like a battlefield and must be kept free from political agendas.
While addressing the broader issue, Saqlain Mushtaq chose not to comment on Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament. He made it clear that his stance remains unchanged and that politics and sports should always remain separate.
As debates continue and decisions remain pending, Saqlain Mushtaq’s words serve as a reminder of cricket’s original purpose — to unite fans and nations through the love of the game.
