With the T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner, tensions between Bangladesh and Pakistan are intensifying. Initially, Bangladesh refused to play in India, and soon Pakistan jumped into the fray. After ICC decided to exclude Bangladesh from the World Cup, Pakistan threatened a boycott. However, an ICC ultimatum forced Pakistan to reconsider. Let’s delve into the full story of this controversy...
The catalyst was Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman's exit from the IPL, sparking tensions. Bangladesh then wrote to the ICC, requesting to shift their matches to Sri Lanka. Pakistan further fueled the situation. But the attempts fell flat, leading to Bangladesh's exclusion by the ICC.
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Subsequently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi launched a verbal attack on the ICC, accusing it, and threatening a World Cup boycott. ICC swiftly countered Pakistan's stance with a firm message.
ICC Cracks the Whip
The International Cricket Council (ICC) grew displeased with Mohsin Naqvi's comments. ICC clarified that if Pakistan, like Bangladesh, chooses not to participate in the T20 World Cup, severe actions could be enforced.
Sources indicate that ICC plans to impose several restrictions if Pakistan withdraws, including a halt to bilateral cricket series involving Pakistan, withdrawal of NOCs for foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and exclusion from the Asia Cup.
Also Read: Pakistan Cricket Faces Existential Threat... ICC could impose severe sanctions if T20 World Cup is boycotted
Reacting to ICC's tough stance, Pakistan quickly announced its team for the World Cup the very next day. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi had accused ICC of 'double standards' and claimed injustice was done to Bangladesh.
In the T20 World Cup 2026, 20 teams will compete. Each team will play four group matches, followed by the Super-8 and knockout stages. The tournament will run from February 7 to March 8. Prior to the World Cup, the Pakistani team will engage in a three-match T20 series against Australia, scheduled on January 29, 31, and February 1 in Lahore.
Also Read: India and Pakistan to Clash on the Cricket Field Before T20 World Cup... Schedule Released
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup:
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), Saima Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper), and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan's Group Matches in the T20 World Cup
February 7, 2026. vs Netherlands. SSC. ColomboFebruary 10, 2026. vs USA. SSC. ColomboFebruary 15, 2026. vs India. Premadasa. ColomboFebruary 18, 2026. vs Namibia. SSC. Colombo
