Former Pakistan cricketers and former board officials have criticized the PCB’s stance on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He warned that supporting Bangladesh’s position and risking withdrawal from the tournament could damage Pakistan’s relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The PCB has delayed the final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament. Mohsin Naqvi said that the board is still reviewing its position and will confirm by Friday (January 30) or Monday (February 2) whether Pakistan will participate or withdraw.
Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup 2026 after refusing to travel to India for the event. In response, Pakistan sees its participation as a possible form of protest against Bangladesh’s ouster from power.
What purpose will the PCB serve by not sending its team? – Arif Ali Abbasi
Former PCB secretary Arif Ali Abbasi criticized the PCB for considering boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026, PTI reported. He said it made sense to support Bangladesh, but questioned the logic of withdrawing from the tournament when Pakistan is set to play all its matches in Sri Lanka.
“I can understand that Pakistan is supporting Bangladesh, but apart from spoiling relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and member boards, what purpose will the PCB serve by not sending its team,” Abbasi was quoted as saying by PTI.
He said, “What about our relations with Sri Lanka? Obviously, if Pakistan does not go then Sri Lanka will suffer because all our matches are in Sri Lanka, including the matches with India.”
Except Pakistan, no other board supported Bangladesh – Khalid Mahmood
Former Pakistan cricketer Khalid Mahmood said PCB’s support to Bangladesh is a positive sign but cautioned the board against ignoring practical realities. He pointed out that Pakistan was the only board that supported Bangladesh’s request to shift the matches out of India.
“We have to remember that except Pakistan, no other cricket board supported Bangladesh’s demand to shift the match from India. I can understand the stance of the Bangladesh board, but it is also true that no one supported them in the ICC meeting,” Mahmood said.
Mohsin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq question PCB’s World Cup stand
Former Pakistan greats Mohsin Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq said that not participating in the T20 World Cup will harm the country’s cricket.
Mohsin said the move made no sense, especially when Pakistan had to play all its matches in Sri Lanka. Inzamam-ul-Haq also expressed similar views and said that Pakistan needs strong performances in big tournaments for cricket to move forward.
Mohsin Khan warned, “We have issues with India but we are playing all our matches in Sri Lanka. Then on what basis will the PCB not send its team to the World Cup. It will be bad for our cricket.”
Inzamam Ul Haq said, “I personally want to see Pakistan compete in the World Cup. We have some good players and our cricket needs to see our team perform well in big events.”
Also read: Pakistan will boycott the match with India only if the Babar Azam-starrer team does not accept defeat against America.