Pakistan can plot a strategic plan to hit the International Cricket Council (ICC) hard to show solidarity with Bangladesh. Amid the Bangladesh-ICC standoff ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is combining with the Government of Pakistan to counter the council as well as to show strength with Bangladesh, as per Pakistani media reports.
The Pakistan Cricket Board informed on previous occasions that they are assessing the situation, keeping all possibilities on the table. Which means boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 is also an available option for the nation.
Pakistan to boycott India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match?
A few days ago, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the matter. After which, Naqvi told the media that they are taking some time to decide their next move.
According to a report in the Pakistani media, a total boycott of the T20 World Cup is not the primary objective. But, they can take a different route to hit ICC on behalf of Bangladesh. It is reported that Pakistan can opt to skip the match with India, which is one of the most star-studded points of the tournament.
As both of the teams are in the same group, an India vs Pakistan match is on the World Cup 2026 fixtures. The India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match is scheduled to be held on February 15 in Colombo. Because of the political conflict between these two nations, the match will be in Sri Lanka, which is a neutral land.
What is Pakistan’s new plan to counter the ICC?
It is now believed that instead of skipping the entire tournament, PCB is thinking only to boycott the specific game, which will not be easy at all, as there are too many parties involved in the high-octane clash.
The media report informed that to avoid serious troubles, the board and the government are putting efforts into finding a way. If PCB boycotts the match against India, then it can harm ICC financially. Needless to say, if such a situation happens in real life, then ICC will not hesitate to take steps and teach Pakistan some lessons.
What ICC can do?
Under ICC regulations, boards can be heavily penalised for political interference. However, the PCB believes that by citing national security and government orders, it can argue a force majeure case.
According to a report in Dawn, “A total boycott of the event is not the top priority; however, Pakistan could forfeit the group match against India to be held on Feb 15. For this, solid grounds are available to the PCB, which could avoid any sanctions or penalty on it from the ICC.”
“Pakistan can say it is following the instructions of the government in not playing against India. In that case, the ICC cannot impose any cash penalty or sanctions on the PCB,” the report further claimed.
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