Pakistan is likely to be excluded from the World Clubs T20 Championship, which is expected to launch next year. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) winning team is unlikely to be invited to the event, which is being fast-tracked with the backing of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its chairman, Jay Shah.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was invited to send its CEO for a meeting on the sidelines of the cricket connect meeting in London last month, but no one attended. The meeting, initiated by the English and Wales Cricket Board with the ICC's support, included CEOs from most of the leading T20 franchise-based leagues to discuss the proposed World Clubs Championship, its window, format, and schedule. Representatives from the Emirates League, Big Bash League, The Hundred, SA20, MLC, and Caribbean Premier League were all present.

The World Clubs Championship is reportedly being fast-tracked to potentially undermine the planned Saudi Cricket League. Private investors are planning to invest $400 million in the Saudi League, but they face resistance as they want their league to mirror the structure of Tennis Grand Slam events, held annually. The recent meeting in London also addressed fixed windows for events and the availability of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players.

Adding to the issues, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not been regularly attending ICC meetings. Initially, the World Clubs event will be contested by five teams, with no team from the Indian Premier League (IPL) participating.

This potential sidelining follows an incident earlier this year during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where the PCB felt excluded during the presentation ceremony. Despite Pakistan being the official host, all matches, including the final between India and New Zealand, were held in Dubai due to political tensions. Although Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was initially slated to appear on stage, he fell ill. The ICC's decision not to include another PCB representative sparked confusion and frustration, with former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar criticizing the absence of any PCB presence on the podium. The ICC clarified that only elected officials from the host nation are typically invited, but this explanation did little to appease those who were upset. Sumair Ahmed, PCB’s chief operating officer, who also serves as the tournament director, was present but not called upon to represent the board, further fueling outrage. The PCB lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, demanding an explanation and a public apology, describing the incident as a blatant disregard for Pakistan's role as the host nation.