‘Ready to take off’: Iceland jibes at Pakistan over delay in deciding T20 World Cup participation

Lahore: Iceland Cricket injected humour into the escalating T20 World Cup controversy by poking fun at Pakistan’s indecision over whether to participate in the tournament.

The light-hearted post appeared on the team’s official X handle as tensions mounted following Bangladesh’s withdrawal and sharp criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently condemned the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to remove Bangladesh from the competition after they refused to travel to India citing security concerns.

Also Read | Massive sanctions loom for Pakistan Cricket Board if it opts out of ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Reports 

Naqvi argued that Bangladesh, as a full ICC member, should have been afforded the same concessions as Pakistan, whose matches in India-based ICC events are played at neutral venues.

In a tongue-in-cheek message, Iceland Cricket joked that they were ready to step in if Pakistan pulled out, stating, “We really need Pakistan to decide soon upon their participation in the T20 WC. We are ready to take off as soon as they pull out on 2nd Feb, but the flight schedule is a logistical nightmare to get us to Colombo in good time for 7th Feb. Our opening bat is an insomniac!”

Pakistan is due to face Australia in a three-match Twenty20 series in Lahore from Thursday, even as doubts linger over their participation in the World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8. The event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Naqvi is expected to announce a final decision on Friday or Monday.

Also Read | After boycott threat, Pakistan names T20 World Cup squad; Babar Azam included | Full list inside 

Pakistan squad prepping despite uncertainty

Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan’s squad is pressing ahead with preparations. Captain Salman Agha stressed the importance of the Australia series, saying, “These three games will give us an idea how prepared we are for the World Cup. Australia is a top team and will give us the best final preparations.”

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside defending champions India, the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned to full fitness after a knee injury sustained in the Big Bash League earlier this month.

Australia arrive in Lahore

A 17-member Australian squad led by Mitchell Marsh arrived in Lahore on Wednesday. The final two matches of the series are scheduled for January 31 and February 1.

Australia will be without injured quartet Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis, while Glenn Maxwell has been rested to manage workload. Marsh nonetheless insisted his side were ready for the challenge. “These are very important times in both teams’ preparations for the World Cup. The conditions are similar, and against a quality side, so we will assess the situation and be clear about our plans ahead,” he said.

(With AFP inputs)