New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it could face unprecedented sanctions if it chooses to boycott the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The warning follows public remarks by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who openly supported Bangladesh after its dramatic decision to withdraw from the tournament due to security concerns related to matches scheduled in India, reported India Today.
If Pakistan were to follow Bangladesh’s path and pull out of the T20 World Cup, the ICC would view it as a direct confrontation against the governing body’s authority—prompting a firm response to safeguard the integrity of global competitions, sources told India Today.
Potential Sanctions on the Table
According to sources, the ICC is prepared to impose “never-before” sanctions should Pakistan opt to withdraw. These measures under consideration include:
Denying permission for foreign players to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Significant cuts to ICC funding, leading to major revenue loss for the PCB.
Withdrawal of international recognition and commercial support for the PSL.
Exclusion from the Asia Cup.
Suspension of all bilateral series involving Pakistan.
Officials described these potential sanctions as existential threats that could isolate Pakistan cricket from international competition.
PCB’s Stance and Government Authority
Naqvi was clear that the PCB will not make a unilateral decision on participation. He stated that Pakistan’s final stance will be determined by the government of Pakistan, with a decision expected once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns from abroad.
“Our stance will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. When the Prime Minister returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision. It’s the government’s decision. We obey them, not the ICC,” Naqvi said. He also mentioned that the board had several contingency plans—“Plan A, B, C and D”—but did not provide details.
Background: Bangladesh’s Withdrawal
Bangladesh’s boycott of the T20 World Cup stemmed from an intensifying dispute with the ICC over security and venue issues. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) raised concerns about playing matches in India, citing safety issues. They requested that their games be moved to Sri Lanka, but the ICC refused after an independent security assessment found no specific threats.
After a meeting with players on January 22, Bangladesh formally announced its withdrawal and sought to escalate the matter to the ICC’s dispute resolution committee—only for that appeal to be rejected. With no resolution reached, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament lineup.
The episode has since become a flashpoint in wider regional tensions and now frames the ICC’s firm warning to Pakistan about the repercussions of a possible boycott.
