New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) Pakistan's cricket team members have expressed their unwavering support for the decisions made by their government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding their participation in next month's World Cup, as per reports.

In a meeting held in Lahore on Sunday, all key players convened with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to affirm their backing for any decision made by the government and PCB, according to sources from Telecomasia.net.

"We stand united with our government and cricket board, fully endorsing their position regarding the unfortunate events that transpired with Bangladesh," the players stated.

Naqvi addressed the World Cup squad announced on Sunday, clarifying the team's participation in the upcoming T20I World Cup amidst the unpredictability that has arisen following Bangladesh's controversial exit from the tournament.

When asked about the team's prospects for the mega event, Pakistan's selector Aaqib Javed remarked, "As players and management, we are gearing up for the World Cup, but the ultimate decision rests with the PCB and the government."

Sources indicated that players are contemplating the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament. "Players, including captain Salman Agha, have conveyed their concerns and are uncertain whether they should continue preparations for the World Cup. The chairman's briefing will provide much-needed clarity on this matter," they noted.

The cricketing community was stirred when Naqvi stated that Pakistan's participation is contingent upon governmental approval, especially after Scotland was appointed as a replacement team following the rejection of Bangladesh's request to shift its matches from India to Sri Lanka.

"The ultimate decision about our participation in the T20 World Cup will be made by the government," Naqvi declared on Saturday.

"Our Prime Minister (Shahbaz Sharif) is currently abroad, and upon his return, we will seek his counsel. The government's decision will be decisive, and if they decline, the ICC may invite an alternative team to participate," he added.

Naqvi also mentioned that the PCB has contingency plans ready. "We have plans A, B, and C that we can activate when necessary. We have managed similar situations before during the Champions Trophy, so we are prepared to handle such challenges," he stated.

A withdrawal by Pakistan would significantly impact the International Cricket Council, as the match between Pakistan and India generates substantial revenue estimated at $500 million.

However, if Pakistan does opt for a pullout, they may face financial repercussions as the ICC might not consider their reasoning valid, given that they are already playing in a neutral venue without security issues.

Last year, the ICC decided that matches between India and Pakistan, hosted by either nation during the 2024-2027 cycle, will take place at neutral venues. This resolution came after prolonged tensions ahead of last year's Champions Trophy when India declined to travel to Pakistan due to security apprehensions.

This agreement also pertains to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will be hosted by India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called upon the PCB to make a decisive choice.

"If the match between Pakistan and India does not occur, half of your World Cup is compromised. This is a significant opportunity to challenge the current cricket hierarchy. Pakistan should stand in solidarity with Bangladesh and withdraw from the T20 World Cup. This is the moment for a bold stance; it requires courage to do so," Latif emphasized.

Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi also endorsed any decision concerning a withdrawal, stating, "It would be a challenging choice, but I would support it. Mohsin Naqvi has a deep understanding of the game and will make the right call, and he should adhere to it."