Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament, a move that has triggered concern in Islamabad over what officials describe as unfair and discriminatory handling by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Senior government sources told The News that the federal government may not allow the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to send the national team to the World Cup, scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The sources cited growing resentment over what they termed the ICC’s “blatant double standards.”
The controversy erupted after the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to play its matches in Sri Lanka due to security concerns, a decision that ultimately led to Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland. The move has raised alarm within Pakistan’s political and cricketing circles.
A final decision is expected following a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Monday.
“The final decision rests with the prime minister, but early indications suggest the government may not permit Pakistan to participate in the T20 World Cup,” a senior government official said. “This is not merely a cricketing issue—it is about principles.”
The official added that international sports governance should not be dictated by the preferences of a single country, stressing that there cannot be double standards in global sport.
Naqvi has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the ICC’s handling of the matter, warning that replacing Bangladesh with Scotland highlights inconsistencies in the council’s policies and undermines fairness. However, he made clear that the PCB would abide by the government’s directive.
“The final call on Pakistan’s participation lies with the government, and the PCB will follow instructions accordingly,” Naqvi said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s cricketers have backed the PCB chairman. During a meeting in Lahore, players unanimously agreed that participation or withdrawal from the World Cup should align strictly with the federal government’s stance.
Pakistan’s potential withdrawal could send shockwaves through international cricket, raising broader questions about governance, neutrality and fairness at the highest level of the sport.
Geo News
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
