In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international cricket community, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently teetering on the edge of a historic boycott of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following a high-stakes consultation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has placed the national team’s participation on “hold,” citing solidarity with Bangladesh. The conflict stems from the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to play matches in India due to security concerns.
While the PCB frames its potential withdrawal as a principled stand against the unfair treatment of a fellow Asian board, the strategy has ignited a fierce internal firestorm. High-profile cricketing legends, including Inzamam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Hafeez and Mohammad Yousuf are now leading a chorus of dissent, urging the board to prioritize the health of Pakistan cricket over regional power plays.
The solidarity stance of PCB invites the risk of isolation
The core of the dispute lies in the PCB’s vocal support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which requested its group-stage matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. When the ICC rejected the appeal and subsequently ousted Bangladesh from the tournament, Naqvi suggested that Pakistan, the only nation to back Bangladesh’s demand, could follow suit.
However, former officials and players see little logic in this nuclear option. Former PCB Secretary Arif Ali Abbasi pointed out the self-defeating nature of the threat, noting that since Pakistan’s matches are already scheduled in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model, there is no direct security conflict for the Men in Green.
“What purpose will the PCB achieve by not sending its team apart from spoiling relations with the ICC and member boards?” Abbasi questioned in a press brief, highlighting that such a move would also financially cripple Sri Lanka, a long-term ally.
Ex-chairman Khalid Mahmood echoed these concerns, describing the stance as laudable in theory but senseless in practice. He reminded the current administration that no other board supported Bangladesh, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position of potential global isolation.
Inzamam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Hafeez warn of irreparable damage to Pakistan cricket
The pushback from former captains has been swift and grounded in the long-term development of the sport. Inzamam, Hafeez and Yousuf emphasized that a World Cup is the ultimate platform for Pakistan’s rising talent. “Our cricket needs to see our team doing well in big events,” Inzamam noted, suggesting that a boycott would rob a generation of players of their chance at glory.
Moreover, the financial and disciplinary stakes are unprecedented. The ICC has reportedly hinted at severe sanctions should Pakistan withdraw, including:
- A ban on foreign players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Suspension of bilateral series and a significant cut in ICC revenue shares.
- Exclusion from future marquee events, including the Asia Cup.
Former Test batter Mohsin Khan summarized the sentiment of many, noting that even the BCB has seemingly accepted its fate without further legal challenge. “On what grounds will the PCB then not send its team? It will be bad for our cricket,” he cautioned.
With a final decision expected by this Friday or next Monday, the cricketing world remains on tenterhooks. As the February 7 kickoff approaches, the PCB must decide whether a display of regional solidarity is worth the potential dismantling of Pakistan’s international standing.
