ICC cautions Pakistan on heavy sanctions amid T20 World Cup withdrawal talk: Report

Following Bangladesh’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan have also voiced strong reservations over the decision, with reports suggesting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may seek guidance from the government before confirming their participation.

According to reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned the PCB of serious consequences should Pakistan choose to withdraw from the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to play their matches in India.

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The ICC arrived at the decision on Saturday that Scotland would take Bangladesh’s place in the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to participate under the published schedule.

Reacting to the development, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of “double standards” and termed Bangladesh’s exclusion an “injustice”. He stressed that Pakistan’s final decision would be taken only after consultations with the government.

“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. One country can make any decision whenever it wants, while another is denied the same right. Bangladesh is a major stakeholder, and this kind of injustice should not happen,” Naqvi told reporters.

“Our stance on World Cup participation will be whatever the government of Pakistan instructs. The Prime Minister is currently out of the country. Once he returns, we will be able to give a final decision. It is the government’s call — we follow their direction, not the ICC’s,” he added.

As per a report in The Indian Express, the ICC could impose a range of sanctions if Pakistan were to pull out of the tournament. These include suspension of all bilateral series, denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and exclusion from the Asia Cup.

“If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose sanctions such as no bilateral cricket, no NOCs for foreign players in the PSL, and no participation in the Asia Cup,” an ICC source was quoted as saying.

Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, a co-host for the event, and will feature in the tournament opener against the Netherlands on February 7. Their much-anticipated group-stage clash against India is slated for February 15 in Colombo.