The cricketing world was then engulfed in a diplomatic firestorm International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Amidst this panic, the former Indian cricketer launched a scathing attack Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsen Naqvihas dismissed recent threats to boycott the tournament as foolish bravado.
The former Cricketer’s comments come at a time when geopolitical tensions between South Asian cricketing nations have spilled over into the field. Naqvi recently suggested that Pakistan might reconsider its participation in the marquee hosting event India and Sri LankaIn a show of solidarity with Bangladesh. The veteran considers it a calculated political move that treats athletes as mere pawns.
Former Indian cricketer Mohsin Naqvi is under fire for reacting strongly to his T20 World Cup statement
Speaking to ANI, Atul Wassan He did not mince his words accusing the PCB chief of using cricket to score goals”brownie points” at the expense of his players. He argued that the threat of withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup was “an attempt.blackmail” rule of global cricket.
“I think it’s just a dare and just turning a blind eye to the ICC and blackmailing the entire cricketing world order is foolishly prudent at best.Wassan noted that even though politicians gain mileage by taking such a position, they are “players who face training”.collateral damage.” Wassan pointed out that cricketers themselves are often kept in the dark, serving as political capital for administrators who want to raise their mustaches in a show of ego.
The former pacer’s comments highlight the growing concern over Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh – which was kicked out of the tournament after the match. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Refusing to adhere to the match schedule in India is less about “fairness” and more about regional posturing.
Also READ: Bangladesh to officially withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026; ICC announces replacement
Dethroning Bangladesh and replacing them in T20 World Cup 2026
The controversy erupted on Saturday after the ICC officially announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in Group C. The decision came after a prolonged standoff, where the BCB cited security concerns and demanded that their matches be moved to Sri Lanka, refusing to travel to India. The ICC rejected it on grounds of deficiency”credible security threats” and the logistical impossibility of changing locations so close to the February 7 start date.
Naqvi sharply criticized this step, claiming “double standards” of the ICC. He argued that if special arrangements could be made for other states, Bangladesh deserved similar concessions. Naqvi said the final decision on Pakistan’s participation rests with the government, hinting that the ICC “may bring in a 22nd team” if Pakistan withdraws.
However, the ICC’s position remains firm. By replacing the Tigers with top-flight non-qualified side Scotland, the governing body signaled that the tournament would go ahead with or without the drawees. As the countdown to the World Cup begins, the focus remains on whether Pakistan will follow through on their threat or whether Vasa’s assessment of political theater will be correct.
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