The cricketing world is facing a potential crisis as Pakistan have threatened to pull out of the T20 World Cup 2026 following the dramatic exit of Bangladesh. In a press conference held on January 24, 2026, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi slammed the ICC for its ‘double standards’ and stated that Pakistan’s participation now hinges entirely on a final directive from the Prime Minister. This escalation comes after the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C, following the BCB’s refusal to travel to India due to safety concerns.

Mohsin Naqvi slams ICC over Bangladesh’s removal

Pakistan announced its solidarity with Bangladesh through a blistering critique by Mohsin Naqvi, who accused the ICC of institutional bias. Addressing the media, Naqvi stated, ‘Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I said the same in the board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC). You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country.’

He further emphasized that the decision to replace them was a structural failure, adding, ‘That is why we have taken the stand that Bangladesh is being treated unfairly and should be allowed to play the World Cup in any case. They are a major stakeholder and this injustice should not be done.’ Naqvi also took a direct dig at perceived external influence, noting, ‘One country is dictating. When the ICC changed venues for Pakistan and India in a favour, then why was it not done for Bangladesh?’

Also READ: Bangladesh officially pull out of T20 World Cup 2026; ICC announces replacement

The looming threat of a Pakistan boycott from T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan announced that their final decision on participating in the tournament will wait until Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country to provide government-level instructions. Naqvi was categorical about where the PCB’s loyalty lies, stating, “Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision. It’s the government’s decision. We obey them, not the ICC.” He even challenged the ICC to prepare for further vacancies, warning, ‘If the Pakistan government decides, we will also pull out of the T20 World Cup. Let ICC then look for a 22nd team.’ When asked about the lack of preparation time, he remained defiant: “Let the decision come first; we have Plan A, B, C, D.”

T20 World Cup 2026: Status as of January 24

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