The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a major call ahead of PSL 2026 by deciding not to sell the league’s broadcast rights in India. This is a clear shift from last season, when Sony Sports Network aired PSL 2025. The decision means Indian fans will not get official access to PSL matches this year. It comes at a time when cricket ties between the two nations remain strained.

The move follows Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. That call was made on political grounds after talks between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistani government. Earlier, Pakistan had also refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns. As a result, the ICC decided to co-host the World Cup with Sri Lanka.

Reports in Pakistan suggest the PSL broadcast ban in India is linked to current political tensions. The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is believed to have taken a firm stand. While this blocks PSL viewership in India, it may also hurt the PCB financially. Indian audiences form a big part of cricket viewership in the region.

PSL 2026 to Clash With IPL, Franchises Change Strategy

In February last year, Sony Sports Network had secured the media rights for PSL 2025. Along with the league, the network also picked up rights for several Pakistan home series. These included white-ball series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, plus a full tour by South Africa. The Afghanistan series was later cancelled due to cross-border tensions.

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For PSL 2026, the league is set to run at the same time as IPL 2026. With the IPL dominating Indian screens, PSL visibility was already expected to be limited. The decision to keep the league off Indian television further reduces its reach. This could result in noticeable revenue losses for the PCB.

Another key update is that some PSL franchises are avoiding direct player signings this year. Instead, they are saving money for the PSL 2026 auction, which will take place next week during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, India-Pakistan cricket relations remain uncertain. Pakistan’s World Cup boycott means they lose two points, while the ICC and BCCI also miss out on one of cricket’s biggest fixtures.

Despite a week to go before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, there is speculation over the participation of the Pakistan cricket team in the tournament as the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is yet to confirm the presence. Under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, they are playing a home T20I series against Australia. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to the reports, have prepared their second plan if they decide to boycott the ICC event in which they have finalized an alternative plan of bringing a new domestic tournament at home. The senior national side, along with the under 18 players, and the A side, which is called the Shaheens, will be split into four competitive teams.

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A special domestic style tournament will be organized at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which will engage not only the fans but also the players and make sure that the youngsters will learn a lot from the seniors heading into the future. The aim is to ensure continuous match practice and keep the players fully engaged during the World Cup window.

Pakistan designs plan B for boycotting T20 World Cup 2026

Naqvi expressed that a final decision on their participation in the World Cup would be taken only after discussion with the Pakistan government as he spoke shortly after ICC officially removed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from the World Cup owing to their refusal to play in India, in which the PCB chairman accused the ICC of showing double standards in favoring India.

“Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I'll be able to give you our final decision. It's the government's decision. We obey them, not the ICC.” Naqvi claimed in a statement.

Pakistan are, currently, scheduled to play the curtain raiser of the World Cup against Netherlands on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo while the biggest mouthwatering clash against India will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium on February 15.

The former Indian captain and the recognized middle-order batter, Ajinkya Rahane, has felt that Pakistan is in no stage to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 07. The Pakistan Cricket dragged themselves into the story of BCB vs BCCI, stating that if Bangladesh is shown the exit door, then they may pull out of the event.

Multiple reports claimed that there would be a possibility of forfeiting the game against the Indian side. Earlier this week, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed that a decision would be taken by February 02, with the likely outcome being the government’s green light for the travel of the Pakistan side to Sri Lanka.

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“I don’t think they will do it. They don’t have the guts.” Rahane expressed during the interaction on Cricbuzz as he refused to believe that the Pakistan side would be able to boycott the World Cup. They will play the opening clash of the event as per the current schedule on February 07 against Netherlands.

Ajinkya Rahane claims ‘no guts’ for PCB on T20 World Cup 2026 boycott

Pakistan has deferred its decision on the T0 World Cup 2026, as the PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, met with the Prime Minister of the country, Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss the matter, just two days after his comments on the national team’s participation that would be left up to the competition.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif," Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision [on participation] will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” Naqvi addressed in a X post (formerly known as Twitter).

“You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want, and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand and made clear that Bangladesh has had an injustice done to it. They should play in the World Cup; they are a major stakeholder in cricket.” He concluded.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, has broken the silence on his meeting with the Prime Minister of the country on their future for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Several news outlets have claimed that the 2009 champions may look to boycott the event after the removal of Bangladesh from the 20-team competition.

The final verdict was about to come in the evening of January 26, but Naqvi informed them that they would take the final call either on January 30 or by February 02, which will be less than a week before their opening encounter against the Netherlands, scheduled to take place in Colombo.  

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“Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” Naqvi revealed in a post on his X account (formerly known as Twitter).

Pakistan to take final decision on T20 World Cup 2026 on this date

Pakistan, due to the mutual agreement with the BCCI, has got its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, including the mouth-watering clash against India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. But after the removal of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, they have decided to change their route on the thought process, which has been a surprising aspect in the last couple of days.

Mohsin Naqvi says the decision on Pakistan's matches for the T20 World Cup on Friday or next Monday. The main point of debate is the India vs Pakistan match. pic.twitter.com/oMPr7wU09I

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) January 26, 2026

BCCI decided to release Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026, which saw BCB deciding not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns. The ICC made it clear that Bangladesh would need to play all their group stage games in India; they would replace them, which they eventually did with Scotland.

The current reports have claimed that Pakistan may also look to forfeit the encounter against India, which will see the home side getting two points, but the PCB needs to face the consequences of that, which could come as a sanction for the upcoming bilateral series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi say about Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026?

Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that a final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken between January 30 and February 2, following his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Why is Pakistan reconsidering its participation in the T20 World Cup 2026?

Reports suggest Pakistan may reconsider after Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, which raised concerns and prompted a review of their own plans.

Where are Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches scheduled to be played?

Pakistan’s matches, including the high-profile clash against India on February 15, are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, as per the mutual agreement with the BCCI.

What impact could a boycott or forfeiture have on Pakistan cricket?

If Pakistan decides to forfeit matches, it could face ICC sanctions or affect future bilateral series, making the final decision crucial for the team’s standing.

What was discussed in Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with the Prime Minister?

Naqvi briefed PM Nawaz Sharif on the ICC situation, and it was agreed that Pakistan would keep all options open and finalize the decision within a few days.

Pakistan’s participation at the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been under a cloud after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. Mohsin Naqvi would now have a meeting with the Prime Minister of the country on January 26 to take the final decision on the event’s future, as he made the statement after Bangladesh’s removal from the competition.

Over the past week or so, Pakistan has been crystal clear in showing its support to Bangladesh in their dispute with the ICC, demanding a venue outside India due to security concerns. The latter wrote two letters to the world governing body, which replaced them with Scotland later in this process. The fire started to burn after the BCCI suggested that the Kolkata Knight Riders release Bangladesh’s pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, ahead of IPL 2026.

See Also: Pakistan to boycott India clash in T20 World Cup 2026? Final decision to come at this time

“Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I'll be able to give you our final decision. It's the government's decision. We obey them, not the ICC.” Naqvi expressed in a past statement.

Pakistan yet to confirm T20 World Cup 2026 participation

On January 25, Pakistan had already announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup as their former captain, Babar Azam, returned to the squad along with the left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, besides omitting the aggressive and rapid fast bowler, Haris Rauf, from the squad.

Pakistan will play all of its games in Sri Lanka after their mutual agreement with the BCCI not to travel to each country. They will begin their campaign on February 07 against the United States of America at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. They will play three home T20Is against Australia as preparation for the event.

“I think Bangladesh has been hard done by. You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want, and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand and made clear that Bangladesh has had an injustice done to it. They should play in the World Cup; they are a major stakeholder in cricket.” Naqvi addressed.

In 1996, Australia and the West Indies forfeited their games due to security concerns in Sri Lanka, which saw the latter getting full points without featuring in the World Cup clash. Later in 2003, England did the same in South Africa when they decided not to lock horns with Zimbabwe. The question now occurs if Pakistan will take the same route for the India game ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. 

The reflection of this development has come after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)chief Mohsin Naqvi claimed that a final decision would be made after talking to Pakistan’s government. In case they appear in the World Cup, the reports have added that there is a possibility of the side not facing India in Colombo for the T20 World Cup, which will be a massive financial loss to the ICC.

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The world sports governing body has already threatened the PCB with imposing sanctions, including no bilateral series involving Pakistan, not putting them in the Asia Cup, or even snatching their NOCs for the foreign players in the PSL, in case one of these things occurs.

Pakistan in position to boycott India clash in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan commented when the issue began between ICC, Bangladesh, and the BCCI, as the ICC finally removed the BCB from the World Cup and replaced Scotland for the 20-team competition. But still, an India-Pakistan game remains at the top of the financial advantage for them. 

“You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want, and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand and made clear that Bangladesh has had an injustice done to it. They should play in the World Cup: they are a major stakeholder in cricket.” Naqvi expressed.

Pakistan is likely to make the call at 4:30 in the evening on January 26. They, however, have already announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup, where they begin their campaign on February 07 against the Netherlands in Colombo.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This move comes despite earlier statements from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi about possibly boycotting the tournament. The threat was linked to Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India due to security concerns. With the squad now named, Pakistan appear ready to take part, but doubts still remain.

Even after the squad announcement, the issue is not fully settled. Following Bangladesh’s removal, Naqvi had said the final call would rest with the Pakistan government. All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. This keeps the situation sensitive despite the team being picked.

The squad was revealed at a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium. PCB High Performance Director and selector Aaqib Javed, Agha, and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson addressed the media. During the briefing, Javed made it clear that participation is still not guaranteed. He said the selectors’ role ends with naming the team.

“We’ve Announced the Team, Government Will Decide”

“We are selectors, and our job is to pick the team. We've announced the team very close to the deadline,” Aaqib Javed said. He added, “The government will decide on our participation so I can say nothing on that front.” Javed also stated that this was in line with what the PCB chairman had already said. For now, the board is waiting for a final decision.

Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the tournament, which will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. The squad shows no major surprises, as most players are also part of the upcoming home T20 series against Australia. Medium pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr is the only notable omission from the Australia series squad.

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Pakistan have selected two specialist spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, along with spin all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub. Young batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay also features despite having played only one T20I so far. Several players, including Agha, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq, have earned their first major tournament call-up. Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

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.

Pakistan’s participation at the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been under a cloud after the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, reckoned that a final decision would be made after discussing with the government. He spoke shortly after the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup.

Scotland will now replace the Litton Das-led side due to their superb performance in the last few seasons of the event. Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of showing double standards in favoring India and addressed the issue with Bangladesh as an injustice.

See Also: Scotland confirmed to replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026

“Our stance (on World Cup participation) will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I'll be able to give you our final decision. It's the government's decision. We obey them, not the ICC.” Naqvi expressed in a statement.

Mohsin Naqvi predicts Pakistan’s participation in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan has firmly shown its support to Bangladesh in the entire process of the series.  The latter wrote two letters to the ICC for shifting their fixtures in Sri Lanka due to security concerns, which were denied by the governing body.

Watch the video here: 

First he told CT wont be hybrid
➡️ CT goes hybrid.
If Andy Pycroft stays, we will boycott Asia Cup
➡️ U turn in 1 hour
His supporters mock Imran as U Turn Khan while this guy runs a fulltime U turn factory
Not U-turn Khan but Trophy chor U-turn Naqvi 🤡 pic.twitter.com/L6sVAtkcqh

— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) January 24, 2026

“I think Bangladesh has been hard done by. You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want, and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand and made clear that Bangladesh has had an injustice done to it. They should play in the World Cup; they are a major stakeholder in cricket.” Naqvi told.

The interior minister of Pakistan also made such promises before he expressed that the Champions Trophy 2026 would have been held in Pakistan, which latter took place through the hybrid model. He also made the same plan for the Asia Cup 2025 when the PCB informed that they would not play any game with the match referee, Andy Pycroft, in charge, which didn’t happen later on.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced Bangladesh's replacement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has sent out a warning message to the ICC ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is experiencing a lot of drama before even beginning the tournament. India and Sri Lanka are set to jointly host the tournament between February 7 and March 8, 2026.

While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has shown desperation in not playing the tournament in India, citing the "safety and well-being of the players" in India, they wanted last moment venue shift for their matches in the tournament to Sri Lanka. Despite the ICC and BCCI assuring the BCB of complete safety, the BCB didn't move from their desperate decision. 

Last week, the ICC had a crucial meeting regarding the BCB's stance, where only the PCB reportedly supported the BCB's demand. Ultimately, the ICC announced that if Bangladesh stayed with their decision not play the tournament in India, Scotland would replace them for the tournament. The BCB stuck to their decision, as the ICC officially announced Scotland as the replacement for Bangladesh for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday (January 24). 

You can't have double standards: Mohsin Naqvi

After the ICC's latest official announcement, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has sent out a warning message to the ICC by calling the double-standard action. He openly supported the BCB's decision and feels the ICC has done an injustice to the board. 

Naqvi said, "I think Bangladesh has been hard done by. You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand, and made clear Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them. They should play in the World Cup; they are a major stakeholder in cricket."

See Also: ICC release new schedule following Bangladesh exit from T20 World Cup 2026

It's the government's decision: PCB chief about their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 participation

Meanwhile, Naqvi has also openly threatened the tournament, as he called the Pakistan government would take the final decision on their participation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. It is important to note that Pakistan will play all their matches of the tournament in Sri Lanka, as if they qualify for the Semi-final and Final, Sri Lanka will host their matches. 

It is not the first time the open clash between PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and the BCCI as well as the ICC. During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, where India lifted the trophy after beating New Zealand, the PCB chief was absent from the venue without providing any official information to the ICC. As Pakistan was the main host, along with the United Arab Emirates (for India's matches), the PCB chief had the duty to hand over the trophy to the champions. 

In the Asia Cup 2025, during the India vs Pakistan handshake row, the PCB chief, who is also the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), also showed his desperation. In the Final of the tournament, where India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets, while the Indian players refused to take the trophy from the ACC chief and would reportedly accept the trophy from someone else, Naqvi moved out with the trophy as the Indian players couldn't lift the trophy.