Pakistan faces potential exclusion from the upcoming World Clubs T20 Championship, a new tournament set to launch next year with the support of the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to sources familiar with the situation, the winning team from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is unlikely to receive an invitation to participate in this prestigious event. The ICC, under the leadership of its chairman Jay Shah, is fast-tracking the championship’s development.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was invited to send its PSL CEO to a crucial meeting held alongside the cricket connect meeting in London last month. However, no representative from Pakistan attended. This meeting, organized by the English and Wales Cricket Board with ICC backing, saw participation from CEOs of leading T20 franchise-based leagues worldwide. Representatives from leagues such as the Emirates League, Big Bash League, The Hundred, SA20, Major League Cricket (MLC), and Caribbean Premier League were present.

Discussions during the meeting focused on various aspects of the proposed World Clubs Championship, including its format, schedule, and window. Notably, while the Indian board supports the event, there will be no participation from Indian Premier League (IPL) teams in its inaugural edition. The championship is being expedited as a strategic move to counteract the planned Saudi Cricket League. Private investors are reportedly planning a $400 million investment into the Saudi League, aiming to establish it as an annual event akin to Tennis Grand Slam tournaments.

The absence of PCB representatives at these discussions raises concerns about Pakistan’s involvement in this global cricket initiative. Additionally, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s irregular attendance at ICC meetings has been noted as unusual. The recent gathering also addressed issues such as fixed windows for events and the availability of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players.