Overview:
Naqvi commented after ICC refused to relocate Bangladesh matches from India to Sri Lanka and also removed them from the World Cup, adding Scotland in their place.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is thinking of not playing against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as a mark of protest for the ICC’s decision not to allow Bangladesh to play their matches in Sri Lanka. The biggest contest of the global tournament is scheduled in Sri Lanka on February 15.
According to Geo News, the governing body of cricket in Pakistan is exploring several options at the moment. While refusing to play against the Men in Blue is one option, another consideration is to opt out of the tournament.
The two arch-rivals are in Group A, and they could face each other again in the semi-final or final. If Pakistan decide to boycott the match, two points would be handed over to the Indian National Cricket Team. It could also impact the PCB financially.
ICC had already warned Pakistan following Mohsin Naqvi’s statement on a total boycott of the World Cup. It could lead to sanctions related to bilateral series, participation of overseas players in PSL and exclusion from the Asia Cup.
Naqvi slammed the apex body of international cricket and accused the top brass of having double standards. Naqvi mentioned that the authority to take the final decision on Pakistan’s participation rests with the Prime Minister.
Naqvi commented after ICC refused to relocate Bangladesh matches from India to Sri Lanka and also removed them from the World Cup, adding Scotland in their place.
India and Pakistan have an agreement to compete at neutral venues in the ICC events and the Asia Cup till 2027 due to tensions between the two countries.