Pakistan have not confirmed whether they will participate in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 starting from February 7. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is expected to announce the board’s final decision later this week, has also kept the option of abandoning the match against India open if needed.
Naqvi met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Pakistan’s stance on the T20 World Cup. He said that talks are still going on and all options are open. Naqvi said that the final decision will come by Friday or next Monday. Pakistan indicated that they may consider boycotting the tournament.
Pakistan’s boycott of India match may depend on initial group results
Pakistan has not ruled out pulling out of the T20 World Cup and is still reviewing the political, legal and financial consequences. According to Telecom Asia Sport, the board will take a decision after the team’s performance in the first two matches.
Pakistan will start its campaign against Netherlands on 7 February, followed by a match against America on 10 February. A win in both the matches could change the situation as it could eliminate the need for Pakistan to face India in the match to be held in Colombo on February 15.
A source was quoted as saying, “If Pakistan wins both these matches, the chances of defeat against India will become strong.”
PCB will take final decision on Monday, will plan protest in T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan are unlikely to announce their final decision immediately, with clarity expected only on Monday, a day after the three-match T20I series against Australia.
The PCB is planning to raise its concerns with the ICC over Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The board also intends to officially inform the world body about its plans to hold symbolic protests during the World Cup.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board is also going to write a letter to the ICC regarding the protests during the World Cup,” the report quoted a source as saying.
PCB faces legal and financial risks over possible boycott
The report said PCB lawyers have cautioned that abandoning matches due to existing broadcast contracts, especially a high-revenue game against India, could create serious problems.
If Pakistan boycotts the event, the broadcaster can take legal action against the ICC. In response, the ICC will hand over the claim to the Pakistan Cricket Board, which could ultimately reduce the annual funding shared by all member boards.
The source further said, “Naqvi has been told by the PCB’s legal advisors that there is a $3 billion broadcast deal with JioStar Sports (India), which will run till the end of 2027, the income from which will be distributed among all ICC members. In the event of a complete boycott or not playing the big money-earning matches against India, the broadcasters will suffer huge losses.”
It added, “In case of Pakistan boycott, the broadcaster will go to court and demand compensation from the ICC. In return, the ICC will serve a notice to the PCB and ultimately all members will lose their share of the annual funding.”
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