Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi’s recent threat of a T20 World Cup pullout has rattled the International Cricket Council (ICC) and broadcasters. Basit stated that massive financial stakes are involved, especially around the high-profile India-Pakistan fixture.
With Bangladesh pulling out of the T20 World Cup 2026, attention has now shifted to Pakistan’s position. The PCB had earlier assured Bangladesh of its support, raising questions about whether it will take a similar step. Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan’s participation will be decided by the government of Pakistan.
Duniya Hila Di Unhone – Basit Ali on Mohsin Naqvi’s T20 World Cup Pullout Threat
Speaking on the Game Plan YouTube show, Basit Ali shared his view on Mohsin Naqvi’s recent comments. He said that Naqvi’s press conference remarks have created serious complications for the ICC, as he made Pakistan’s participation unclear.
“With what Mohsin Naqvi said in the press conference, duniya hila di unhone (he has shaken the world). He said we will ask the government about our participation,” Basit Ali said on the ‘Game Plan’ YouTube show.
“The wording he used is now not easy for the ICC. Pakistan should not boycott because we don’t have to play in India, but what if our government tells us that we need to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh? Then what will happen?” he added.
If Pakistan Pull Out… – Basit Ali
Basit Ali warned that a Pakistan withdrawal from the World Cup would severely impact broadcasters. He said no replacement team could match the viewership of a match between India and Pakistan.
“If Pakistan don’t play the World Cup, then the broadcaster will come on the road. If Pakistan pull out, then which team will replace them? If India is to play against the replacement team, then will that game attract the same eyeballs as the India versus Pakistan match?” he added.
India And Pakistan Placed In Group A At T20 World Cup 2026
India and Pakistan are placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The two teams are scheduled to face each other on February 15 in Colombo.
Pakistan have announced their T20 World Cup squad, with Salman Ali Agha named captain. Babar Azam is part of the 15-member team, while Haris Rauf was dropped following poor performances in the Asia Cup. Mohammad Rizwan was also not selected.
Pakistan will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground. Before the tournament, they will play a three-match T20I series against Australia starting Thursday, January 29.
A Pakistan withdrawal would be a major setback for the ICC, as an India-Pakistan match generates around 500 million dollars in revenue. However, Pakistan could face financial penalties if they pull out, since matches are already scheduled at neutral venues.
Last year, the ICC decided that India-Pakistan matches at ICC events from 2024 to 2027 would be played at neutral venues. India played their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, UAE, last year.
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