ICC could impose heavy sanctions on Pakistan if they boycott T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh: Report

Pakistan could face serious action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if they decide to pull out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in support of Bangladesh, according to a report by The Indian Express. The ICC has already replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after they refused to play in India, citing security concerns.

The report says the ICC is unhappy with recent comments made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who openly supported Bangladesh after the ICC decided to replace them in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The PCB was the only member that voted in favour of Bangladesh during the recent ICC Board meeting.

As per the report, the ICC has already taken note of Pakistan’s stance and may not tolerate a similar withdrawal. The ICC could impose strict sanctions on Pakistan, including suspension of all their bilateral series, refusal to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to foreign players for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and even exclusion from the Asia Cup.

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“If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose a series of sanctions, including no bilateral series with any international team, no NOC for foreign players in PSL, and no Asia Cup participation,” The Indian Express quoted a source as saying.

Naqvi says PCB will take a call after consulting the government

Naqvi had earlier criticised the ICC for what he called “double standards” in its treatment of Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh was treated unfairly and claimed that different rules were being applied to different countries. He also stated that Pakistan’s final decision on participation would be taken at the government level, once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns from his foreign visit.

“We will do what the government of Pakistan instructs us to do. The Prime Minister is not in the country right now. We will take a final decision after he returns,” Naqvi told reporters on Saturday.

The PCB has also asked the ICC to consider a hybrid model for Bangladesh, similar to the one approved for India during the Champions Trophy last year. Pakistan are also slated to play all their T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka instead of travelling to India, which they had agreed last year.

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“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. One country can make any decision whenever, while it is the opposite for another. Bangladesh is a major stakeholder and this injustice should not happen. Bangladesh is a full ICC member like Pakistan. If a similar favour has been extended to Pakistan and India, the same should apply to Bangladesh. One country cannot dictate terms to another,” Naqvi said.

However, the ICC appears firm in its position and is unwilling to change the decision. The BCB has also accepted the decision and refused to challenge it further. Now, any move by Pakistan to boycott the tournament could attract long-term consequences.