The International Cricket Council has reportedly warned the Pakistan Cricket Board over its public support for Bangladesh after their removal from the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The warning could lead to serious sanctions. These may include Pakistan’s exclusion from the Asia Cup.
The issue began after Bangladesh refused to play its scheduled T20 World Cup matches in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board cited security concerns. The ICC held several discussions with the BCB. However, it rejected Bangladesh’s request to move the matches to a neutral venue. The ICC then removed Bangladesh from the tournament and replaced them with Scotland.
Mohsin Naqvi’s comments on T20 World Cup decision escalate tension with ICC
Pakistan was the only board to openly support Bangladesh during ICC meetings. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticised the ICC’s decision. He called it unfair. He also accused the ICC of following double standards. Naqvi said Bangladesh is a major stakeholder in world cricket. He questioned why venue flexibility shown in the past was not allowed this time.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Naqvi’s stand has upset the ICC. Sources said the ICC warned Pakistan of serious consequences if it follows Bangladesh’s path and refuses to play in the T20 World Cup. Possible punishments include suspension of all bilateral series. The ICC could also deny No Objection Certificates for overseas players in the Pakistan Super League. Exclusion from the Asia Cup is said to be the biggest threat.
The situation worsened after Naqvi said Pakistan’s participation is no longer only a cricketing matter. He said the final decision will be taken by the Pakistan government.
“I will follow the instructions of the government of Pakistan. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan at the moment. We will give you a final decision when he returns. We are more under the Government of Pakistan than the ICC, so we have to do what the government of Pakistan says. Look, if the government of Pakistan says that they don’t want to play, then they [the ICC] can bring the 22nd team. But this decision has to be taken by the government of Pakistan. This is what the government of Pakistan has to say, whether they make a final decision,”
Naqvi also questioned the ICC’s governance. He said some countries get special treatment.
“I think there has been injustice with Bangladesh, and I said the same in the ICC board meeting [on January 21]. You can’t have double standards. You can’t say that for one country you can make a decision whenever you want, and for another country you can make a totally opposite decision. That’s why we have taken this stand – there is injustice with Bangladesh.”
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