From January 29, 2026, the conflict between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC has reached its most critical stage. after removal Bangladesh from T20 World Cup 2026PCB chairman Mohsen Naqvi reinforced his rhetoric by characterizing the situation not simply as a scheduling conflict but as a struggle against institutional bias.
Mohsin Naqvi challenges ICC’s mandate after Bangladesh’s ban from T20 World Cup 2026
In a series of sharp statements after a high-level briefing with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif On January 26, Mohsin Naqvi protested the authority of the ICC. He explains why the hybrid model (in play Sri Lanka) is given India and Pakistan but Bangladesh were denied, leading to their exit.
“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I said that in the ICC board meeting as well. You cannot have double standards where one country can take any decision at any time and do the exact opposite for another country. So we should allow Bangladesh to play. “Economic Times” reports that Naqvi said this.
Naqvi further emphasized the PCB’s independence from the ICC, stating:
“Our stance on participation in the World Cup will be guided by the instructions of the Pakistan government. We will take his advice after the Prime Minister returns and looks into the matter. The government’s decision will be final and binding. We are not under the ICC; we are under our government.” Naqvi concluded.
Iceland Cricket’s hilarious idea to take part in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 has gone viral
News reports on January 29 indicate that Pakistan is tactically in the middle. Instead of a blanket withdrawal, the PCB is reportedly considering forfeiting the February 15 clash against India in Colombo. By framing this specific boycott as a “direct government mandate” rather than a council decision, Pakistan hopes to use a legal loophole to avoid the ICC’s “political interference” sanctions. Internal sources say the aim is to show solidarity with Bangladesh while minimizing the risk of a blanket ban.
By adding pressure, Iceland cricket It went viral on January 28 with a mocking proposal to replace Pakistan. Their post, widely shared by global media, mocked the PCB’s delay:
“We really need Pakistan to decide on their participation in the T20 WC soon. We are ready to take off as soon as they leave on February 2nd, but the flight schedule is a logistical nightmare to get us to Colombo on February 7th. Our opening bat is sleepless!” the text is read.
We really need Pakistan to decide soon about their T20 WC participation.
We are ready to fly as soon as they take off on February 2nd, but the flight schedule is a logistical nightmare to get us to Colombo in time on February 7th.
Our opening bat is insomnia! pic.twitter.com/2hJSpMn0Cx
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 28, 2026
Despite the public dangers, the reality on the ground points to participation. Reports from Telecom Asia Sport confirm that Salman Ali Agha and his team have already booked flight tickets to Colombo for next week. Experts warn that a full boycott would be a “financial suicide mission”, potentially costing the PCB $34.5 million (INR 317 crore) in ICC revenue and leading to the cancellation of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for international stars in the PSL.
Also READ: Will Pakistan boycott T20 World Cup 2026 after Bangladesh? Mohsun Naqvi breaks the silence
