Islamabad : Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to discuss the ongoing dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the upcoming T20 World Cup.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Naqvi briefed the premier on recent developments involving the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. He described the meeting as “productive” and said the prime minister directed that all options remain open as Pakistan considers its position. A final decision is expected by Friday or next Monday.

The issue arose after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7. Bangladesh had refused to play in India citing safety concerns amid strained political ties, and requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected the proposal, saying it was not feasible to alter the schedule so close to the start of the competition.

Naqvi had earlier criticized the ICC’s handling of the matter, calling Bangladesh’s exclusion unfair. He also noted that Pakistan’s participation was not yet confirmed, pending consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz.

The International Cricketers’ Association expressed disappointment over Bangladesh’s withdrawal, calling it a “sad moment” for the sport. Chief Executive Tom Moffat said the absence of a major cricketing nation from the World Cup should prompt reflection and encourage efforts to unite rather than divide the game.

With the tournament just days away, Pakistan’s final stance will be closely watched, as the controversy continues to cast uncertainty over the event’s lineup.