ICC warns PCB of brutal punishments if Pakistan boycotts T20 World Cup 2026 after Bangladesh

Pakistan to be punished severely if PCB boycotts T20 WC [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

In a significant development, the ICC has threatened Pakistan with a series of sanctions if the PCB joins Bangladesh and boycotts the T20 World Cup 2026. On Saturday, the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in group C after the Bangladesh government refused to travel to India for the marquee event. 

The incident drew fiery reactions from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who said the ICC should have accepted the BCB's request and relocated Bangladesh's group-stage matches to Sri Lanka for alleged security reasons. In fact, Mohsin Naqvi also revealed that the Pakistani government will decide whether the Men in Green will participate in the tournament or boycott it in solidarity with Bangladesh, as promised earlier. 

ICC to destroy Pakistan with a series of sanctions if PCB boycotts T20 World Cup

It has been understood that the PCB might face severe consequences of a potential T20 World Cup boycott, with the ICC planning to impose hefty sanctions on Pakistan. According to an Express Sports report, the ICC will restrict Pakistan from playing any bilateral series and dismiss the NOCs of overseas players in the PSL, while also banning the Men in Green from the Asia Cup if the PCB decides not to send its team to the T20 World Cup. 

“If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose a series of sanctions, including no bilateral series with any international team, no NOC for foreign players in PSL, and no Asia Cup participation,” a source was quoted as saying by Express Sports. 

ICC unhappy with Mohsin Naqvi's remarks

For the unversed, Bangladesh had earlier refused to play its matches in India, citing security concerns. However, as its delegation committee expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made in India, the ICC had sought a final answer from the BCB, stating it was improbable to reschedule Bangladesh's matches at the eleventh hour. 

So, when the Bangladesh government didn't come up with a positive response, the ICC followed due procedure, replacing the Tigers with Scotland as the fifth team in group C. This infuriated PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who accused the ICC of biased behaviour for treating Bangladesh differently from India and Pakistan and not allotting it an alternative venue. 

“Bangladesh is a full ICC member like Pakistan. If a similar favour has been extended to Pakistan and India, the same should apply to Bangladesh. One country cannot dictate terms to another,” Naqvi told the media on Saturday. 

The PCB chairman's actions weren't perceived well by the ICC decision-makers, who, in turn, threatened Pakistan with a series of repercussions that could potentially sign the death warrant of cricket in the country. 

Pakistan to play its matches in Sri Lanka

It's worth noting that Pakistan should have no problem playing in the T20 World Cup, as the ICC has scheduled the matches in Sri Lanka. However, the Pakistani government's interference has added further complexity to the matter, worsening the situation days before the commencement of the mega event.