ICC Warns Pakistan of Total Cricket Isolation Over T20 Boycott Threat

The International Cricket Council has issued a firm warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board amid growing controversy surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup. The dispute began when PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi openly criticised the ICC for rejecting Bangladesh’s request to move its matches out of India, while previously allowing Pakistan a hybrid model for home games.

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, voiced strong support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board and indicated that Pakistan might withdraw from the tournament in solidarity. He emphasised that the ultimate decision would be taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, turning a venue-related issue into a high-stakes political and sporting confrontation.

Sources familiar with the matter report that the ICC has responded decisively, stating that any Pakistani boycott would trigger unprecedented penalties. These could include the suspension of all bilateral cricket series, exclusion from the Asia Cup, and a unified refusal by other member nations to issue No Objection Certificates for foreign players to join the Pakistan Super League.

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Such actions would inflict serious financial damage on Pakistani cricket and severely restrict the national team’s international exposure beyond major ICC tournaments. The ICC has defended its position by citing security assessments that found no significant risks for Bangladesh teams playing in India.

As preparations for the India-Sri Lanka co-hosted 2026 T20 World Cup intensify, this escalating conflict risks reshaping long-standing relationships in international cricket and leaving fans uncertain about Pakistan’s future participation in global events.

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