As of January 29, 2026, the standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC has reached its most critical phase. Following the removal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has escalated his rhetoric, characterizing the situation not just as a scheduling conflict, but as a fight against institutional bias.
Mohsin Naqvi challenges the ICC’s authority after Bangladesh’s authority from T20 World Cup 2026
In a series of pointed statements following a high-level briefing with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on January 26, Mohsin Naqvi challenged the ICC’s authority. He questioned why the hybrid model (playing matches in Sri Lanka) was granted to India and Pakistan but denied to Bangladesh, leading to their exit.
“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I said the same in the board meeting of the ICC. You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country. That is why we have taken the stand that Bangladesh should be allowed to play… if the Pakistan government decides, we will also pull out. Let ICC then look for a 22nd team.” Naqvi was quoted on saying by the Economic Times.
Naqvi further emphasized the PCB’s independence from the ICC, noting:
“Our position on World Cup participation will be guided by the instructions of the Pakistani government. Once the Prime Minister returns and reviews the matter, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding. We are not under the ICC; we are subservient to our government.” Naqvi concluded.
Iceland Cricket’s hilarious idea to take over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 spot goes viral
Reports emerging on January 29 suggest that Pakistan are weighing a tactical middle ground. Rather than a total withdrawal, the PCB is reportedly considering a forfeit of the marquee February 15 clash against India in Colombo. By framing this specific boycott as a ‘direct government mandate’ rather than a board decision, Pakistan hopes to exploit a legal loophole to avoid the ICC’s ‘political interference’ sanctions. Internal sources indicate the goal is to show solidarity with Bangladesh while minimizing the risk of a total ban.
Adding to the pressure, Iceland Cricket went viral on January 28 with a sarcastic offer to replace Pakistan. Their post, which has been widely shared by global media, mocked the PCB’s delay:
“We really need Pakistan to decide soon upon their participation in the T20 WC. We are ready to take off as soon as they pull out on 2nd Feb, but the flight schedule is a logistical nightmare to get us to Colombo in good time for 7th Feb. Our opening bat is an insomniac!” the post reads.
We really need Pakistan to decide soon upon their participation in the T20 WC.
We are ready to take off as soon as they pull out on 2nd Feb, but the flight schedule is a logistical nightmare to get us to Colombo in good time for 7th Feb.
Our opening bat is an insomniac! pic.twitter.com/2hJSpMn0Cx
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 28, 2026
Despite the public threats, the reality on the ground points toward participation. Reports from Telecom Asia Sport confirm that Salman Ali Agha and his squad have already booked flight tickets to Colombo for next week. Experts warn that a full boycott would be a ‘financial suicide mission,’ potentially costing the PCB $34.5 million (INR 317 crore) in ICC revenue and leading to the revocation of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for international stars in the PSL.
Also READ: Will Pakistan boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 after Bangladesh? Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence
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