Former Pakistan cricketer dares PCB to start India boycott with U-19 World Cup match: 'Why wait for T20 World Cup?'

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to boycott the match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026, but rather protest against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a unique style. Pakistan had earlier said that they would consider boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh were removed from the tournament.

But as feared, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland last weekend after they refused to play their matches in India. On Monday, PCB head Mohsin Naqvi announced that he had a meeting with PM Shahbaz Sharif and a final decision regarding a boycott can be taken by coming Friday or next Monday.

Basit Ali questions Pakistan Cricket Board

There are also rumours that Pakistan may boycott just the India game to potentially harm the finances of the ICC and BCCI. Basit Ali feels that would be a wrong decision. The former batter, who played 19 Tests and 50 ODIs, said that Pakistan may play their match against India, but while wearing black armbands to highlight the BCCI’s political influence.

“Pakistan should not boycott, but wear black arm band and play India game,” Basit said on his YouTube channel BasitAliShow. He also added that the gentleman’s game has become increasingly political.

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Basit Ali also questioned PCB, saying that if they have to boycott matches against India, they should start with the 1st February match between the two teams at the ongoing Under-19 World Cup rather than waiting for the T20 World Cup.

“Why wait for Feb 15 India vs Pakistan game at the T20 World Cup? If you have to boycott, do it on Feb 1st Pakistan vs India U-19 World Cup game.”

Basit Ali added that, just as Australia boycotted Sri Lanka in the past, Pakistan can also do the same, but the consequences will be felt in the cricket world.

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“Do it in the U-19 World Cup, you will get to know the effect,” he added, while saying that any such step will damage cricket.

Meanwhile, reports state that ICC could take strict action like imposing sanctions, suspending all bilateral series and much more if Pakistan decided to boycott the T20 World Cup.