Pakistan Considers T20 World Cup Boycott as It Supports Bangladesh Against ICC Decision

Pakistan Considers T20 World Cup Boycott as It Supports Bangladesh Against ICC Decision

Pakistan is weighing a possible boycott of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after backing Bangladesh in what it has described as an unfair and inconsistent decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The situation has triggered fresh controversy within international cricket, raising questions about double standards, political influence, and the future of neutral venues in global tournaments.

Pakistan Delays Final Decision on T20 World Cup Participation

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that a final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup will be delayed for up to a week. Speaking after a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi said that all possible options — including a boycott — remain under consideration.

Taking to social media platform X, Naqvi described the meeting with the Prime Minister as “productive” and revealed that Shehbaz Sharif had advised the PCB to resolve the matter carefully while keeping every option on the table. According to Naqvi, the final decision is expected either by Friday or next Monday.

This uncertainty has placed Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in doubt and sparked widespread debate across the cricketing world.

Why Is Pakistan Considering a Boycott?

The controversy began after Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup, citing serious security concerns about playing matches in India. Bangladesh formally requested that their fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka, one of the tournament’s co-hosts.

However, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s appeal and instead replaced the team with Scotland, based on Twenty20 international rankings. This move angered both Bangladesh and Pakistan, who believe the ICC acted unfairly and inconsistently.

Pakistan has openly backed Bangladesh’s stance, arguing that the ICC has previously allowed match relocations on similar security grounds.

Pakistan Cites Precedent from Champions Trophy

During a virtual ICC Board meeting held on Wednesday, Pakistan reminded the council of a recent precedent. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, India refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.

As a result:

• India played all their matches in Dubai
• Pakistan agreed to a neutral venue arrangement
• The ICC approved the relocation without penalizing India

Pakistan officials argue that if India was allowed to play on neutral grounds, Bangladesh should have been given the same option. From Pakistan’s perspective, denying Bangladesh this right reflects clear double standards.

Neutral Venue Agreement Between India and Pakistan

Adding further weight to Pakistan’s argument is an agreement signed last year between India and Pakistan. Under this deal:

• Whenever one country hosts an ICC event
• The other team will play its matches at a neutral venue

This agreement was designed to keep cricket alive despite political tensions. Pakistan is already scheduled to play its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka instead of India.

PCB officials believe the same flexibility should have been extended to Bangladesh.

Possible India Match Boycott Also on the Table

Local Pakistani media have reported that the PCB is also considering boycotting a February 15 match against India, citing ongoing political tensions between the two nations.

India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and bilateral cricket ties remain frozen. Any boycott involving an India-Pakistan match would have massive commercial and sporting consequences, given the rivalry’s global appeal.

While no final call has been made, sources say the option remains under serious discussion.

Political Tensions Behind the Crisis

The cricketing dispute cannot be separated from recent political developments in South Asia.

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have shifted following the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a student-led uprising. Meanwhile, relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated over Dhaka’s demand that India extradite the former premier, who is currently considered a fugitive.

Earlier this month, these tensions spilled into cricket when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

Shortly after, Bangladesh announced it would not travel to India for the T20 World Cup and formally requested match relocation — a request the ICC ultimately denied.

ICC’s Decision Raises Questions of Fairness

The ICC’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism from fans, former players, and analysts worldwide. Many argue that replacing Bangladesh entirely, instead of finding a neutral venue solution, sets a dangerous precedent.

Critics say the move:

• Politicizes international cricket
• Undermines smaller cricketing nations
• Creates inconsistency in tournament governance

Pakistan’s strong response reflects broader concerns about whether all member boards are treated equally within the ICC.

What Happens Next?

For now, Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain. PCB officials are consulting with the government and evaluating diplomatic, sporting, and financial implications.

If Pakistan does decide to boycott:

• The tournament could lose one of its biggest teams
• ICC could face legal and commercial fallout
• Global cricket politics may enter a new crisis phase

A final decision is expected within days, and the cricketing world is watching closely.

Also read:Pakistan Announce Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

FAQs – Pakistan, Bangladesh & T20 World Cup Controversy

Why did Bangladesh withdraw from the T20 World Cup?

Bangladesh withdrew due to security concerns about playing matches in India and requested relocation to Sri Lanka.

Why did the ICC replace Bangladesh with Scotland?

The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s relocation request and replaced them based on T20 international rankings.

Why is Pakistan supporting Bangladesh?

Pakistan believes the ICC applied double standards, as India was previously allowed to play on neutral venues due to security concerns.

Is Pakistan really considering a boycott?

Yes, Pakistan has confirmed that all options, including a boycott, are under consideration.

When will Pakistan announce its final decision?

The PCB is expected to announce a final decision by Friday or next Monday.

Also read:PCB Announces Decision on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Participation

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