Pakistan Cricket Team (PTI Photo) Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup has been called into question following Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament, with the Pakistan Cricket Board issuing a strong warning that it may withdraw in protest. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the final decision would be up to the government, adding that clarity on the matter was expected either by Friday or early next week. However, the threat was met with skepticism outside Pakistan, including former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane.
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Responding to the possibility of a boycott on Cricbuzz, Rahane dismissed the idea outright. “I don’t think they can do it, I don’t think they have, can I say the guts? Yeah, I don’t think they can,” Rahane said, adding bluntly: “They will come.” The backdrop of the controversy is Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to play their matches in India and sought to shift the venue to Sri Lanka. The request was rejected by the ICC, after which Bangladesh maintained its position and was subsequently replaced by Scotland. Pakistan has framed its boycott threat as a stand against the removal of Bangladesh, but such a move could come at a high cost. According to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC has already warned the PCB that non-compliance with the participation agreement could lead to serious disciplinary action. These potential consequences reportedly include sanctions, suspensions from international and regional competitions and even the withdrawal of no-objection certificates for overseas players participating in the Pakistan Super League. The report further states that the PCB has no legitimate basis to boycott the T20 World Cup or the India-Pakistan clash to be played in Sri Lanka on February 15, 2026.
