No decision today from Pakistan on their T20 World Cup participation. This takes the entire focus to the second deadline day - Monday, February 2 - as shared by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

This is it from this blog. Stay tuned to NDTV Sports for more!

Elite Panel umpire Nitin Menon will officiate in his fourth T20 World Cup, while fellow Indian Anantha Padmanabhan will make his debut in the ICC event beginning in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. In all, 24 officials will be on-field umpires during the group stage of the tournament.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

Reacting to the team's uncertainty for T20 World Cup 2026, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan slammed Pakistan, calling it "nonsense".

"Nonsense! Nonsense! This is absolutely utter nonsense from Pakistan. If you have agreed to a hybrid model before and to play in Sri Lanka, then why create this situation now? It is nothing other than utter nonsense," he told Revsportz.

Iceland Cricket is making the most of the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's T20 World Cup participation. A day after suggesting they were ready to replace Pakistan, the Nordic island nation's cricket body has joked that they won't actually be able to take the 2009 champions' place, citing logistical concerns and time constraints.

"Dear ICC, It is with a heavy heart that we now announce our unavailability to replace Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup," Iceland Cricket wrote in a post on X. "Regardless of whether they now withdraw, the short timescales ensure it is impossible for our squad to prepare in the professional manner necessary to compete effectively in this global cricketing spectacle. We are not like Scotland and able to turn up on a whim, with no kit sponsor."

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month's T20 World Cup, with focus on the clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled to be held on February 15. According to a report in news agency PTI, the security issue was taken up at a meeting between the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and government officials in Islamabad.

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif feels the team shouldn't play against India, even if the two teams reach the final, if the government says so.

"If the government says we won't play against India, the ICC will have to accept it," Latif said. "If they don't, that's where the real confrontation begins." When the host asked what would happen if India and Pakistan reach final, he answered: "nahi khelenge' (we won't play)."

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had to face social media trolling for his post congratulating the national team over the win against Australia in the 1st T20I on Thursday.

With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20i against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170 run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying’ https://t.co/allr7esAbr

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 30, 2026

As the cricket world awaits clarity from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi on Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, skipper Mohsin Naqvi has revealed his plans for the tournament. 

"Yes, I'll be batting at No.3 (in the future)," Ali Agha said. "We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. That's why I moved up, and that is where I'll stay," he added.

Suresh Raina, during a chat with NDTV, reminded Pakistan of ICC's stance if they dare to pull out of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the 11th hour. 

In a chat with NDTV, former India batter Suresh Raina made his stance clear on the T20 World Cup row, involving Bangladesh

A full withdrawal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from the T20 World Cup doesn't seem like the most plausible option as such a decision would be a breach of the ICC Tournament Participation Agreement. Experts estimate this could cost the PCB roughly $34.5 million in annual revenue share from the ICC.

Mohsin Naqvi's clear message to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif ahead of T20 World Cup participation announcement. According to PTI, he told the Pakistan PM in the meeting that it is important to “preserve good relations with the ICC and member boards.”

The PCB chief had committed a social media gaffe by referring to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif as Nawaz Sherif. He later corrected the mistake, but had already begun to get trolled on social media.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday," Naqvi had tweeted.

With Bangladesh repeatedly seeking Sri Lanka as their venue for T20 World Cup 2026 games, the SLC has finally broken its silence on the matter. Speaking to AFP, the board's secretary Bandula Dissanayake said: “In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral. All of these are friendly nations."

In what comes as the biggest hint over Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, Salman Ali Agha and Co. has reportedly booked tickets for the flight to Colombo, where the team is scheduled to play all of its scheduled matches of the biennial event. But, some twists in the tale are still expected. 

Hello and welcome to our live coverage as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks to confirm its plans for the T20 World Cup 2026 today. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had said on Monday this week, after a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Sehbaz Sharif, that a decision on the subject is expected on Friday or next Monday. The first deadline has arrived!