Pakistan threatens ICC of boycotting T20 World Cup after Bangladesh's exit, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi threatened International Cricket Council (ICC) of boycotting T20 World Cup 2026 following Bangladesh's exit from the marquee tournament. Firstly, he blamed ICC for treating Bangladesh unfairly after its refusal to participate in the T20 World Cup scheduled in India. Naqvi, who also happens to be Pakistan's Interior Minister, argued that Bangladesh should be allowed to compete in the tournament despite the current impasse. He made these remarks during a media talk in Lahore.

PCB chief threatens ICC of pulling out of T20 World Cup after Bangladesh's exit

The standoff began on January 4, when Bangladesh announced it would not travel to India for T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to get underway from February 7. This decision followed the release of star bowler Mustafizur Rahman by his IPL franchise, a move that occurred amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. In an effort to remain in the competition, Bangladesh formally requested that the ICC relocate its scheduled matches to Sri Lanka, a proposal that the governing body ultimately rejected.

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Despite the ICC's firm stance, Bangladesh maintained its refusal to travel to Indian soil despite ICC's warning of having them replaced with another team if they remain adamant on their decision. On January 24, Sports Tak learnt that ICC has officially communicated to BCB that Bangladesh will be replaced by Scotland via letter.

Meanwhile, amidst the standoff between ICC and BCB, PCB chief jumped in and addressing Pakistan's role in the matter. Naqvi clarified that the PCB’s official position will remain strictly aligned with the directives issued by the Pakistani government.

“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I said the same in the board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC). You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country. That is why we have taken the stand that Bangladesh is being treated unfairly and should be allowed to play the World Cup in any case. They are a major stakeholder and this injustice should not be done,” he said.

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ICC can include a 22nd team: Mohsin Naqvi

When questioned about a potential boycott of the T20 World Cup, Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the final authority rests with the Pakistani government rather than the cricket board alone. He noted that officials are currently awaiting the Prime Minister’s return to the country, at which point a definitive stance on Pakistan's participation will be established.

"If the Pakistan government says we won’t play, then the ICC can include a 22nd team. The Pakistan government is more important to us than the ICC. We are waiting for the prime minister to return,” he added.

Finally, when asked if a 'Plan B' exists should Pakistan also decide to withdraw from the tournament, Naqvi responded confidently. He quipped that the board is prepared for various outcomes, suggesting they have developed multiple contingency plans—ranging from "Plan A to D"—which will be activated once a formal decision is reached.

'Let the decision come first; we have Plan A, B, C, D," Naqvi concluded.