Pakistan may reconsider T20 World Cup participation after Bangladesh exit: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi slams ICC

New Delhi ;The controversy surrounding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has intensified after Bangladesh was officially removed from the tournament, triggering strong reactions from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has launched a sharp attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), warning that Pakistan’s participation in the marquee event could also be reconsidered, depending on the Pakistani government’s decision.

The issue gained momentum after the ICC decided to exclude Bangladesh from the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. The decision followed Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) failure to officially confirm, within a stipulated 24-hour deadline, whether the team would travel to India amid security concerns. With no formal response from the BCB, the ICC opted to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.

Speaking to reporters, Naqvi said Pakistan strongly condemns what he termed as “injustice” meted out to Bangladesh. “We cannot accept double standards from the ICC. Bangladesh has been treated unfairly, and I have raised this issue clearly in the ICC meeting,” he said. Naqvi alleged that while some countries are allowed flexibility in decision-making, others are put under undue pressure, which he described as unacceptable governance.

Naqvi further stressed that Bangladesh is a full member nation and deserved the right to participate in the World Cup. “Excluding a major member country like Bangladesh sets a dangerous precedent. This kind of approach damages the credibility of international cricket,” he remarked.

When asked whether Pakistan could face a similar fate or choose to withdraw from the tournament in protest, Naqvi made it clear that the final call would rest with the Pakistani government. “Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup is not solely a PCB decision. It is a matter for the government. Whatever decision the government takes, we will abide by it, not the ICC’s pressure,” he said.

Naqvi added that Prime Minister’s approval would be crucial, noting that a final announcement would be made once the Prime Minister returns and consultations are completed. “This is a national decision. We will act in line with the government’s direction,” he reiterated.

The developments have added a fresh layer of uncertainty to the 2026 T20 World Cup, already embroiled in diplomatic and security-related tensions. With Bangladesh out and Pakistan openly questioning the ICC’s decision-making, the tournament now faces heightened scrutiny over governance, fairness, and political influence in international cricket.