When Bangladesh was excluded from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, it sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Bangladeshi team had refused to travel to India, instead demanding that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC did not acquiesce to Bangladesh's demands and gave them a 24-hour ultimatum. Receiving no response, the ICC took decisive action and selected Scotland as the replacement team for the T20 World Cup.
In light of Bangladesh's exclusion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed their discontent. Initially threatening to boycott the entire tournament, the ICC warned that such a step would lead to severe consequences. Bowing to pressure, the PCB announced their participation and named their squad quietly.
Will the Pakistani team forgo the match against India?
The drama doesn't end there. According to Geo Super, Pakistan is seriously considering boycotting its group match against India in the T20 World Cup. Scheduled for February 15th at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium, the move is meant to protest the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.
Reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board is evaluating various forms of protest while still preparing to participate in the tournament. Skipping the match against India might cost them just two points, but could financially impact the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi plans strategic discussions with the team, noting that any final decision will come after consulting with the federal government.
Mohsin Naqvi issues strong-worded warning
Mohsin Naqvi stated that after consulting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a final decision would be announced. Criticizing the ICC for what he described as unfair treatment of Bangladesh, Naqvi pointed out what he believes to be 'double standards', echoing these sentiments at an international cricket board meeting.
During a press conference, Naqvi addressed the double standards in allowing India alternative venues, while Bangladesh faced exclusion over security concerns regarding India. Naqvi hopes to clarify Pakistan's stance if the ICC's decisions remain unchanged.
On the sidelines, Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a crucial meeting on Monday in Islamabad. Here, Naqvi accused the ICC of favoritism and briefed the Pakistani Prime Minister about the situation regarding the T20 World Cup 2026.
According to inside sources, Naqvi highlighted that despite India refusing to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, alternative venues were provided, contrasting with the treatment of Bangladesh. This perceived inconsistency prompted a robust dialogue between the Pakistani leadership and cricket authorities.
Following the pre-determined schedule, Pakistan will kick off its campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands on February 7, in Colombo, facing the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18. The Super 8 stage will unfold from February 21 to March 1, leading up to semi-finals on March 3 and 5, with the prestigious final possibly in Ahmedabad or Colombo on March 8.
Pakistan’s team for the T20 World Cup will be led by skipper Salman Ali Agha, featuring players like the out-of-form Babar Azam, while stars like Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan are notably missing from the squad. The team includes Shadab Khan and emerging talents Khawaja Nafay and Usman Tariq, with all group matches set to take place in Colombo.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (Wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper), Sam Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper), and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan's Group Matches in the T20 World Cup
February 7: vs Netherlands, SSC, Colombo February 10: vs USA, SSC, Colombo February 15: vs India, Premadasa, Colombo February 18: vs Namibia, SSC, Colombo
