The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly expressed strong displeasure over Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s public support for Bangladesh amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources have claimed.
According to reports, the global governing body has warned Pakistan of serious sanctions, including a potential ban from the Asia Cup, if it withdraws from the tournament.
The issue began after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) raised concerns over security arrangements in India and sought to have its T20 World Cup matches shifted to a neutral venue. Bangladesh reportedly stated it would reconsider its participation if the matter was not resolved. However, the ICC rejected the request and later removed Bangladesh from the World Cup line-up, escalating tensions within the cricketing fraternity.
Naqvi’s Remarks Trigger ICC’s Strong Response
Following the ICC’s decision, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi openly backed Bangladesh, calling it a “major stakeholder” in world cricket and accusing the ICC of applying double standards. He also stated that the Pakistan government would take the final decision on whether the national team participates in the T20 World Cup.
Naqvi’s remarks reportedly irked the ICC. According to a report by The Indian Express, the governing body has conveyed to Pakistan that any decision to pull out of the tournament would result in severe consequences.
Possible Sanctions Against Pakistan
Sources cited in the report said the ICC could impose multiple sanctions if Pakistan withdraws from the T20 World Cup, including:
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Suspension of all bilateral international series
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Denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
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Exclusion from the Asia Cup
“If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose sanctions, including no bilateral series, no NOC for foreign players in the PSL, and no Asia Cup participation,” a source was quoted as saying.
PCB Maintains Government Will Decide
Naqvi reiterated that Pakistan would not act unilaterally and would follow government directives on the matter.
“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. One country can make decisions at will, while another cannot. This is injustice,” Naqvi said, questioning what he described as selective decision-making by the ICC.
He further alleged that a single member nation was exerting undue influence within the global body and asked why similar venue changes were made in the past for other teams but not for Bangladesh.
“Our position is clear. We are answerable to our government. Once the Prime Minister returns and a decision is taken, we will act accordingly,” Naqvi added.
