Pakistan cricket team (PTI Photo)

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been thrown into doubt following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, with the Pakistan Cricket Board issuing a strong warning that it could pull out in protest. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the final decision would rest with the government, adding that clarity on the matter was expected either by Friday or early next week. The threat, however, has been met with scepticism from outside Pakistan, including from former India captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Reacting to the possibility of a boycott on a Cricbuzz show, Rahane dismissed the idea outright. “I don’t think they can do that, I don’t think they have, am I allowed to say guts? Yeah, I don’t think they can do that,” Rahane said, before adding bluntly: “They are going to come.” The backdrop to the controversy is Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to play its matches in India and pushed for the venue to be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected that request, after which Bangladesh maintained its stance and was subsequently replaced by Scotland. Pakistan have positioned their boycott threat as a stand against Bangladesh’s removal, but such a move could come at a heavy cost. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC has already warned the PCB that failing to honour its participation agreement could trigger serious disciplinary measures. These potential consequences reportedly include sanctions, suspension from international and regional competitions, and even the withdrawal of No-Objection Certificates for overseas players participating in the Pakistan Super League. The report further noted that the PCB has no legitimate basis to boycott either the T20 World Cup or the marquee India vs Pakistan clash scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka on February 15, 2026.