T20 World Cup 2026: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened to boycott the entire T20 World Cup 2026 or its Group A fixture with India after the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to suspend Bangladesh from Group C.
On January 27, the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are likely to meet to take the final call on the country’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 starting from February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
DON'T MISS
According to media reports, Pakistan is unhappy with how the ICC has sidelined with India and deprived Bangladesh of its legitimate rights. It seems that Pakistan is not happy with the step-motherly treatment of the Bangla Tigers by the world’s governing body of cricket.
Pakistan’s Choices
Pakistan can decide to forfeit its match against the current T20 World Cup Champions India or boycott the entire tournament.
ICC’s Choices
The ICC has already warned Pakistan that any attempt to challenge its authority would be damaging to the PCB and Pakistan Cricket. This can include heavy financial penalties, non-availability of ICC-affiliated players from PSL participation and the denying of any future ICC events in the country.
Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie questioned decision of the ICC to exclude Bangladesh after it refused to play in India. The former Pakistan coach recalled a previous situation when India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC had then allowed Dubai, a neutral venue, for India.
Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif remarked that India should be taught a lesson by withdrawing from the ICC T20 World Cup. On the YouTube channel ‘Caught Behind’, Latif remarked that the absence of Pakistan would rob the World Cup of its charm and ticket sales. The former Pakistan captain praised Bangladesh for taking a strong stance of not playing in India, saying it highlighted determination and strong will.
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