The fate of the much-anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash continues to hang in the balance, with former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi hinting that the marquee match could still go ahead if Bangladesh are reinstated into the tournament. His remarks add new context to Pakistan’s decision to consider a boycott, a move that has prompted warnings of sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan’s position communicated through an official government statement, it is generally regarded as a political protest rather than a purely sporting decision. The move is related to Bangladesh’s elimination from the tournament after the ICC rejected its request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns.
The fallout has put the tournament under strain, especially with the India-Pakistan match, considered the biggest draw in world cricket, now uncertain.
The The ICC has reportedly already warned the Pakistan Cricket Board that any boycott of the high-profile match could result in punitive sanctions. The world body also stressed that such a move would not be in the greater interest of the game, given the sporting and commercial value attached to the India-Pakistan clash.
While the ICC has spelled out specific punishments, the warning underscores the seriousness with which it views Pakistan’s position.
Sethi suggests a way forward
Najam Sethi believes that the situation is still salvageable. “From my point of view, if Bangladesh can be invited to Sri Lanka, it is not too late. There are many matches being played there,” he told India Today in an exclusive interview, pointing out what he sees as a practical compromise.
According to Sethi, if Bangladesh still chooses not to participate even after such an option is offered, then the stakeholders would have to deal with other outstanding issues. “I hope common sense prevails. Everyone wants to see India versus Pakistan. It’s the gold standard,” he added.
He also revealed that the current PCB management has explored all possible outcomes. “They have consulted lawyers here and abroad. They are comfortable with the decision,” Sethi said, suggesting that Pakistan’s stance was not impulsive.
Why boycott now?
Responding to criticism over the timing of Pakistan’s protest, Sethi answered questions as to why Pakistan has decided to boycott now that Bangladesh is the directly aggrieved party.
“The problem is the BCCI’s attitude,” Sethi said, accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India of constantly bullying other governing boards. “They bullied the other boards at every stage. Earlier, Pakistan was isolated – one in ten – and everyone was on India’s side. Now that is changing.”
Lessons from the past
Sethi recalled Pakistan’s opposition to the controversial “Big Three” model that concentrated power and revenue between India, Australia and England. “Nine boards applied; we were left alone because it was unfair,” he said.
Although revisions were eventually made and India later agreed to play a bilateral series with Pakistan, Sethi described how the deal collapsed at the last minute. “A year later, on the eve of the series, the BCCI pulled out without meeting us in Mumbai. That was a huge insult,” he said.
According to Sethi, the current impasse represents a turning point. “Now even Bangladesh has been defeated. Pakistan and Bangladesh together represent 400 million people. This is the time to stand up,” he said.
Sethi acknowledged that approach could lead to short-term losses, including the possibility of missing out on the sport’s biggest rivalry. But he framed the protest as part of a larger goal. “There may be short-term losses, but the goal is a reformed ICC,” he said.
Legal battles as a last resort
Sethi admitted that if no resolution is reached, the dispute could spill over into legal territory. “The worst-case scenarios end up in the courts, and that’s where lawyers have their day,” he said.
As the ICC considers its options and pressure mounts on all sides, the future of the India-Pakistan clash – and the wider question of governance and the balance of power in world cricket – remains uncertain.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 4, 2026