Kamran Akmal slams PCB for illogical boycott of T20 World Cup in solidarity to Bangladesh

Kamran Akmal reacts to Pakistan boycotting T20 World Cup [Source: @Mahi_Patel_07, @XchangeTickets1/X.com]

Speculation around the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has created fresh debate after reports claimed Pakistan had stopped its preparations in support of Bangladesh. 

The rumours spread quickly. However, former players and officials have now pushed back, calling the claims unrealistic. 

Pakistan, it appears, has no intention of walking away from a global tournament that carries major sporting and financial importance. 

Kamran Akmal calls reports “illogical”

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was among the first to question the reports. Speaking on a ‘Game Plan’ TV show, Akmal said the idea of a cricket board halting World Cup plans made no sense. 

He argued that international cricket decisions are not taken emotionally or without official communication. According to him, no team would refuse to play a World Cup match simply to show solidarity with another nation.

“I don't think any cricket board would do this. I don't think one team will also refuse to play just to show solidarity with another team. It makes no sense for us to join another team who are protesting? Can we handle the issue?" Akmal said.

Akmal also pointed out that there has been no statement from the PCB or the government. He urged fans and media to wait for official confirmation instead of reacting to speculation. 

“It's a sensitive issue. There is no official statement given. We should only react if the PCB puts an official version out in the public domain," he added.

Pakistan rule out boycott plans

Bangladesh remain stubborn on their stand that the team won’t travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. Reports then emerged that Bangladesh had reached out to Pakistan for support against a common enemy, India.

This led to rumours that Pakistan might halt preparations or consider a boycott. Those claims, however, were never backed by official confirmation.

Pakistan have since made its position clear. According to the Hindustan Times, the PCB confirmed that the board has no plans to boycott the tournament, even if Bangladesh withdraw. 

Pakistan are already scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an agreement finalised earlier, after India declined to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

The report adds that Pakistan have no grounds to pull out, as the ICC would point out that their matches are not even in India. 

That being said, the ICC has now asked Bangladesh to clarify their position by January 21. If Bangladesh withdraw, Scotland is set to replace them in Group B. 

Litton Das reacts to the Bangladesh-India standoff

Bangladesh captain Litton Das, meanwhile, expressed uncertainty over the team’s participation in the T20 World Cup amid the ongoing BCB-India standoff.

Speaking after Rangpur Riders’ BPL exit, he revealed players had not been consulted and lacked clarity on venues, groups, or opponents. Halting a reporter mid-question, Das said it was not safe to comment further.

He added that, despite BCB raising security concerns and requesting ICC changes, no official communication had reached players. 

Das stressed that everyone remained in the dark about the World Cup, saying, “We’re on the same page. Not even sure yet whether we’ll go at all.”