Will Pakistan also withdraw from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after Bangladesh's removal? what PCB chief said?
Pakistan may also withdraw from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi said the ICC had treated Bangladesh unfairly. "We are now waiting for the government's decision; if they refuse, we will not participate in the tournament either," Mohsin Naqvi said.
He said, "I raised this issue in the ICC meeting as well. You cannot have double standards. One country gets its preferred venue, while another is denied. The Pakistan board stands with Bangladesh. Our stance is clear: if you can provide neutral venues for Pakistan and India, why not for Bangladesh?"
The International Cricket Council (ICC) removed Bangladesh from the World Cup on Saturday evening. Scotland has now been given the opportunity to replace them. The team will play all the matches in Group C in place of Bangladesh.
Naqvi said, "We are waiting for the Prime Minister to return. Only then will we decide whether or not to play in the World Cup."
The PCB has asked the government to decide whether the national team will participate in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament for refusing to play in India. The PCB said it is considering pulling out in solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC rejected the country’s request to relocate its matches from India over security fears.
Naqvi said that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is currently abroad, and the PCB will wait for his return before making any decision. “When he comes back, we will take advice from him. The decision by the government will be final and binding,” he said. He also hinted that if Pakistan withdraws, the ICC may invite another team in their place.
The PCB chairman said the board has contingency plans ready. “We have alternate plans A, B, and C, which we can use when the time comes. We have done this before during the Champions Trophy, so nothing new for us, and we know how to deal with such matters.”