Mohsin Naqvi Ajinkya Rahane. Image Credits: X
Ajinkya Rahane has openly questioned Pakistan and Mohsin Naqvi's threat to boycott the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Rahane believes the Pakistan Cricket Board is only creating noise for public attention and lacks the courage to withdraw from a tournament as big as the T20 World Cup 2026.
The tournament begins on February 7 across three venues in India and Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan's participation is still in doubt, even though they have announced their squad for the mega ICC event.
Pakistan T20 World Cup squad: Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) Usman Tariq
PCB chairman's past controversies add fuel to fire
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed earlier this week that a final decision on Pakistan's participation would be taken by February 2.
However, reports from Pakistan suggest that the government is likely to allow the team to travel to Sri Lanka, with tickets to Colombo reportedly already booked.
Naqvi has been no stranger to controversy. His tenure has seen several tense moments, including an incident last September when India defeated Pakistan in the final for the third time in a tournament.
After the match, Naqvi reportedly left the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with the trophy after the Indian team refused to collect the silverware from him.
Now, critics believe that by stepping into the ICC and BCB dispute, the PCB has once again created unnecessary drama. Many feel Pakistan's board made bold statements only to play to the gallery and score political points at home.
"Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday," tweeted Naqvi.
Ajinkya Rahane dismisses Mohsin Naqvi's boycott threat as 'optics'
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rahane said he does not see Pakistan following through on its warning. "I don’t think they will do it. They don’t have the guts," Ajinkya Rahane said.
The PCB recently dragged itself into an ongoing dispute between the BCB and the ICC. Pakistan announced that it would stand in solidarity with Bangladesh and even suggested a possible boycott if Bangladesh were forced out of the tournament.
Financial losses and sanctions make pullout unlikely
Despite rumours of boycotting the India match on February 15 or wearing black armbands in protest, most signs point towards Pakistan playing the tournament. Experts believe the PCB has too much to lose if it decides to pull out.
A withdrawal could lead to heavy financial losses, strict ICC sanctions, and even a possible ban from the Asia Cup. Given cricket's massive popularity in Pakistan, skipping the World Cup would be extremely damaging for the board.
Pakistan are scheduled to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. They will play their next match against the USA on February 10, followed by the much-awaited match against India on February 15. Pakistan will play their last group-stage match against Namibia on February 18.
The With the tournament just days away, it is becoming increasingly clear that the PCB is in no position to call the shots.
Tensions between the PCB and the BCCI have remained high since last year's Pahalgam terror attacks.
