The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly upset with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi. The reason is PCB’s recent comments suggesting Pakistan may withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament is set to begin on February 7.
According to The Indian Express, the ICC is prepared to take strong action if Pakistan refuses to play, following Bangladesh’s earlier decision to skip the event. Reports say the global cricket body could impose severe penalties on Pakistan cricket, which may lead to near-complete isolation.
Possible Sanctions Against Pakistan
A source quoted by the newspaper explained what could happen if Pakistan pulls out.
“If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose a series of sanctions, including no bilateral series with any international team, no NOC for foreign players in PSL, and no Asia Cup participation,” the newspaper quoted a source as saying.
These punishments would seriously affect Pakistan cricket. However, it remains unclear under which ICC rules such strict action could be taken. The only similar situation in cricket history was when South Africa faced a 22-year ban during the apartheid period.
Bangladesh Already Out, Scotland In
The ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the tournament on Saturday. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for four group matches. It cited security worries as the reason.
However, the ICC did not accept those concerns. Talks between the ICC and BCB went on for three weeks, but both sides failed to reach an agreement. As a result, Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the event based on T20 International rankings.
Pakistan’s Stand Not Final Yet
After Bangladesh’s exit, many thought the issue had ended. But PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan’s participation is still uncertain.
“Whether we play in the T20 World Cup or not, the decision will be taken by the government,” said Naqvi, who is also the country’s Interior Minister. “Our PM (Shahbaz Sharif) is out of the country. When he comes back, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding, and if they say no, then they (ICC) may invite any other team.”
This means Pakistan’s final call depends on the government.
PCB Supports Bangladesh
Pakistan was the only cricket board that supported Bangladesh during the ICC meeting where members voted to remove them. The PCB has openly backed Bangladesh’s position in the controversy.
“Bangladesh is a big stakeholder, and they have been unfairly treated in this case. This I maintained in Wednesday’s meeting as well, and their stance has many factors which I will tell when the situation arises,” Naqvi said.
Financial Impact on ICC
If Pakistan also exits the tournament, the ICC could suffer heavy financial losses worth hundreds of crores. Pakistan’s replacement would likely be Uganda, a smaller cricket nation.
This change would also mean that the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match would not take place. That game is usually one of the biggest revenue earners in world cricket.
