Speculation around T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moving closer to a final call. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently held discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and later indicated that a decision regarding the ongoing “ICC matter” would be announced by either Friday or Monday.
The uncertainty has already forced changes. Bangladesh has been dropped from the tournament after declining to play its matches in India, with Scotland stepping in as a replacement. Should Pakistan also choose to withdraw, the ICC would be left scrambling to fill another vacant spot.
Sensing an opportunity, Uganda has thrown its hat into the ring, doing so in a light-hearted manner on social media. In a witty post on X, Cricket Uganda declared its readiness to step in if a place opens up, joking about having passports ready and being fully prepared for the heat, pressure and atmosphere of a global tournament.
Uganda’s post was a playful response to an earlier tongue-in-cheek offer from Iceland Cricket, which had briefly suggested replacing Pakistan before humorously announcing its own “withdrawal.” Iceland then wished Uganda luck, suggesting the opportunity might fall their way instead.
Meanwhile, signs point strongly toward Pakistan’s participation going ahead as planned. According to sources, the PCB has already arranged for the national squad to fly to Colombo in the early hours of February 2, effectively dismissing the possibility of a boycott including the much-anticipated match against India.
Sources further revealed that while the PCB has expressed solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board over security-related reservations about playing in India, it cannot take steps that would risk straining its relationship with the ICC or other member nations.
