Pakistan to pull out of T20 World Cup 2026? Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence

Mohsin Naqvi reveals new fact about Pakistan's World Cup participation [Source: X]

After Bangladesh refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council ousted Bangladesh from the tournament. However, following Bangladesh’s removal and Scotland’s inclusion in the prestigious event, the Pakistan Cricket Board, headed by Mohsin Naqvi, has stated that it is not fully certain of Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup.

Earlier, Pakistan had supported Bangladesh’s stance of not playing matches in India and had backed the proposal to shift all games to Sri Lanka. The PCB was the only board that openly stood with Bangladesh in support of boycotting Indian venues. 

Mohsin Naqvi reveals Pakistan government yet to decide participation

However, with the latest developments, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has informed sources that, after the Bangladesh–ICC fallout, the final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup will rest solely with the Pakistani government.

"Pakistan government will decide the Pakistan team’s participation in the T20 World Cup," Naqvi said.

This indicates that despite Pakistan having arrangements in place to play the World Cup in Sri Lanka, and after completing diplomatic as well as socio-political planning for potential matches against India at neutral venues, Pakistan has now gone on the back foot. 

The board is reconsidering its stance after Bangladesh stepped back and exited the tournament, creating uncertainty over Pakistan’s involvement in the event.

Mohsin Naqvi slams ICC by accusing it of 'double standards' over Bangladesh row

Mohsin Naqvi has also shared his views on Bangladesh’s ouster from the T20 World Cup 2026, stating that he believes Bangladesh were treated unfairly by the ICC.

Naqvi accused the ICC of following double standards, and as things stand, the Pakistan government appears ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh, potentially in protest by pulling out of the tournament as well.

"Bangladesh is being treated unfairly. We said this at the ICC board meeting, that the ICC cannot have double standards, one system for one team and a different one for another. Bangladesh should play in the World Cup," Naqvi said.

What will happen if Pakistan pulls out of T20 World Cup 2026?

If the Pakistan government decides to withdraw from the ICC tournament, taking inspiration from Bangladesh’s earlier position, it could result in serious financial penalties and possible sanctions. 

Such a move may also raise the threat of suspension from future ICC events. If Pakistan were to pull out without a valid, ICC-approved security justification, it would be deemed a breach of the ICC member participation agreement.

As a result, the PCB could face heavy fines, potentially running into millions of dollars, and, in extreme cases involving government interference in cricketing matters, the ICC could impose further sanctions, including suspension from upcoming ICC tournaments.

Is Pakistan demanding T20 World Cup boycott vague?

This raises the question: is there any valid reason for the Pakistan government to withdraw the national team from the T20 World Cup 2026? Generally, sending a team to an international tournament in another country requires formal security clearance and government approval as part of routine protocol. 

In this case, however, Pakistan is scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka, and all security and logistical clearances had already been finalized months before the tournament schedule was announced.

Therefore, a last-minute withdrawal would not only be disastrous in terms of consequences but could also prove humiliating for the nation on the global cricketing stage.