ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads regarding itsparticipation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following thecontroversial exclusion of Bangladesh from the tournament due to securityconcerns related to playing in India. Sources close to the Pakistan CricketBoard indicate that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet PrimeMinister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the matter, with options including fullwithdrawal or refusing to face arch-rival India. This development hasinjected fresh uncertainty into the event, less than a month before itsFebruary 7 start, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The crisis originated when the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to sendits team to India for group-stage matches, citing heightened securityrisks. The concerns escalated after Bangladesh fast bowler MustafizurRahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders from the Indian Premier Leagueon BCCI instructions, amid broader political and communal tensions. Despiteprolonged negotiations, the ICC rejected requests to relocate Bangladesh’sfixtures to Sri Lanka, leading to Scotland’s inclusion as replacement basedon T20I rankings.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi publicly criticized the ICC’s decision,describing it as an injustice and highlighting perceived double standards.He pointed out that previous arrangements, such as shifting Pakistan-Indiamatches to neutral venues in past events, were accommodated, yet similarflexibility was denied to Bangladesh. Naqvi emphasized that the final callon Pakistan’s involvement rests with the federal government, not the PCB,underscoring the political dimensions influencing cricketing decisions inthe region.
Reports suggest Pakistan is deliberating complete withdrawal from the20-team tournament, which would mark a significant escalation in tensionswith the ICC. If participation proceeds, sources indicate Pakistan isunlikely to fulfill its scheduled February 15 clash against India atColombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, where all Pakistan matches are allocateddue to existing geopolitical sensitivities. This potential boycott alignswith Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh, as the PCB had formally backedDhaka’s stance in communications with the ICC.
The ICC has reportedly warned of severe repercussions should Pakistan optout, including suspension of bilateral series, exclusion from the Asia Cup,and denial of No Objection Certificates for overseas players in thePakistan Super League. Such sanctions could isolate Pakistan cricketinternationally and impact its financial ecosystem, given the PSL’sreliance on foreign talent. The governing body’s stance reflects concernsover maintaining tournament integrity and schedule sanctity ahead of thehigh-profile event.
Pakistan’s Group A fixtures include matches against the Netherlands onFebruary 7 in Colombo, the USA on February 10, India on February 15, andNamibia on February 18. Withdrawal would likely prompt Uganda, the nexthighest-ranked non-qualifier, to assume Pakistan’s slot and schedule. Thisscenario has drawn commentary from former players like Rashid Latif, whourged solidarity with Bangladesh to challenge perceived inequities inglobal cricket governance.
The episode underscores deeper fault lines in international cricket, wheresecurity, politics, and bilateral relations frequently intersect withsporting administration. Bangladesh’s exit has sparked debates on equity,with critics arguing the ICC prioritizes certain members while imposingrigid protocols on others. For Pakistan, the dilemma balances nationalpride, regional alliances, and the risks of ICC penalties that could hinderlong-term cricketing progress.
As consultations continue, the cricketing world awaits clarity on whetherdiplomatic and security considerations will override competitive ambitions.The outcome could reshape dynamics in Asian cricket and influence futureICC event planning, particularly regarding venue allocations and hybridmodels. With Prime Minister Sharif’s guidance pivotal, the decision carriesimplications far beyond the T20 World Cup field.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/icc-threat-pakistan-sanctions-t20-world-boycott-asia-cup-exclusion-10493245
Cricket
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