No international series and Asia Cup for Pakistan? ICC threatens PCB ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not been happy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, who commented recently in support of Bangladesh, after the latter was put out of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The reports claimed that if the 2009 T20 champions follow the same route, then the ICC could also impose sanctions.

These may include the suspension of all bilateral series, denial of the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), along with the exclusion from the Asia Cup. Naqvi also criticized the ICC for showing double standards, addressing that Bangladesh was treated unfairly.

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“If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose a series of sanctions, including no bilateral series with any international team, no NOC for foreign players in PSL, and no Asia Cup participation.” The reports of the Indian Express shed light on the development as the ICC event begins on January 07 with three games scheduled on the opening day.

Pakistan to potentially face sanctions for T20 World Cup 2026 boycott

Naqvi added that Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup would be decided at the highest government level, as they had been waiting for the approval of the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The board has urged the ICC to consider a hybrid model for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. One country can make any decision whenever, while it is the opposite for another. Bangladesh is a major stakeholder, and this injustice should not happen. Bangladesh is a full ICC member like Pakistan. If a similar favour has been extended to Pakistan and India, the same should apply to Bangladesh.” Naqvi added.  

Even during the Champions Trophy 2025 earlier last year, Naqvi made such a comment that they won’t host the tournament in a hybrid model. Even though it ended up taking place in the same manner as the blue brigade played all of their games at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE.