Will Pakistan and Australia Depart for Colombo on February 2?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Pakistan is scheduled to depart for Colombo on Monday, at which point the nation's cricket chief is expected to announce the team's status regarding participation in the Twenty20 World Cup, according to reports.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their involvement in the World Cup, sources informed Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that the Pakistan team is set to travel alongside the Australian team on an Air Lanka flight from Lahore.
"We anticipate that by Friday, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi will confirm the team's participation in this major tournament," sources added.
Naqvi has raised concerns regarding Pakistan's participation in the February 7 - March 8 Twenty20 World Cup, citing protests over Bangladesh's removal from the event.
The International Cricket Council turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
On Monday, Naqvi consulted with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad regarding the decision to send the team.
According to sources, PM Sharif supported the PCB's position of backing Bangladesh but advised against boycotting the World Cup to avoid potential financial repercussions.
Naqvi also sought opinions from President Asif Zardari and military leaders, prior to conferring with former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja, who were both in favor of sending the team to Sri Lanka. They also recommended against a boycott of the match against India," the report stated.
Pakistan is set to compete against Australia in a three-match T20I series kicking off in Lahore this Thursday.
"All players have been instructed to maintain a positive mindset regarding their participation in the World Cup. Some players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have packed all their belongings, anticipating an extended stay abroad for over a month."