Decision likely after PM–PCB chairman meeting today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering the option of pulling out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following growing concerns over what officials describe as unfair treatment of Bangladesh by the International Cricket Council (ICC), sources familiar with the matter told PakRevenue.
The development comes amid reports that the federal government may not allow the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to send the national side to the tournament, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Sources said Islamabad is unhappy with the ICC’s decision to deny Bangladesh the option of playing its matches at a neutral venue despite citing security concerns. The situation escalated after Bangladesh was eventually replaced by Scotland, a move that has raised serious questions over consistency and transparency in the ICC’s decision-making process.
According to senior government officials, a final call will be taken after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Monday.
“The matter is under serious consideration at the highest level,” a government source said, adding that early indications suggest Pakistan may opt out of the tournament if concerns over fairness are not addressed.
“This is not merely a cricketing issue. It is about principles and equal treatment. Bangladesh has been denied what many believe was its legitimate right,” the source added, stressing that international sports bodies should not be influenced by the interests of a single country.
Officials further pointed out that while some nations are allowed flexibility in choosing venues, others face restrictions even when security issues are raised.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already expressed dissatisfaction over the ICC’s handling of the issue, terming the replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland as a troubling precedent that undermines the spirit of fairness in international cricket.
However, Naqvi clarified that the PCB would fully comply with the federal government’s decision.
“The PCB will act strictly in accordance with the government’s directives regarding Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s players have also conveyed their support for the PCB’s stance. During a meeting in Lahore, team members agreed to follow whatever decision is taken by the federal government regarding participation in the mega event.
Cricket observers believe that Pakistan’s possible withdrawal could have far-reaching implications for global cricket governance, potentially intensifying debate over neutrality, fairness and accountability within the ICC.
