No Bilateral Series? Pakistan Could Face Massive Sanctions from ICC if They Decide to Pull Out from T20 World Cup

Similar to their 2025 Asia Cup boycott threat over officiating disputes, Pakistan’s 2026 World Cup withdrawal warnings reflect a recurring pattern.

No Bilateral Series? Pakistan Could Face Massive Sanctions from ICC if They Decide to Pull Out from T20 World Cup

The ICC has threatened Pakistan with severe sanctions, if they opt out of the 2026 T20 World Cup. (via India Today)

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The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is in jeopardy after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted that Pakistan might withdraw, following Bangladesh’s recent exit. In response, the ICC has reportedly issued a strong warning to Pakistan regarding potential penalties and sanctions. 

It has a lot to do with the strained relations between India and Bangladesh, which fueled the latter’s withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup over security concerns. The controversy began when IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Following this, the Bangladesh Cricket Board threatened to pull out of the World Cup and formally requested the ICC to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka.

Within a matter of time, the ICC responded by suggesting ‘no credible or verifiable security threat’, giving the BCB a 24-hour deadline to review its stance. Rejecting the ICC’s reasoning, Bangladesh ultimately withdrew from the World Cup, with Scotland being invited to take their place.

The team has now found an ally for itself in the form of Pakistan, with the BCB having earlier proposed that the ICC grant them a hybrid-playing structure similar to Pakistan’s, which is also avoiding travel to India.

In a recent media interaction, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi publicly supported Bangladesh’s choice to withdraw, while criticizing the ICC for its poor handling of a member nation. Naqvi, who was previously involved in a controversy for not presenting the Asia Cup Trophy, was then asked about Pakistan following Bangladesh’s lead. The PCB indicated that the team would pull out if the Pakistani government directed them to do so.

PCB’s stance appears to have angered the global cricketing body. Sources confirm that if Pakistan withdraws, the ICC is ready to impose unprecedented sanctions. These penalties include suspending all future bilateral series involving Pakistan, excluding the team from the Asia Cup, and significantly reducing ICC funding for the PCB. The Pakistan Super League would also be impacted, as the ICC is prepared to bar foreign players from the tournament and withdraw both international recognition and support.

Ultimately, these consequences could result in Pakistan being isolated from international cricket, while also ending its chances of participating in future ICC events. It remains unclear how Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB will react to these reports, as their final decision is still pending.

Pakistan names T20 World Cup squad amidst doubts over participation

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the PCB has announced its 15-man roster for the tournament. The squad, captained by Salman Ali Agha, includes prominent players and differs from the team selected for the Asia Cup last year.

Pakistan T20 World Cup squad
Pakistan anncouned its 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. (via NDTV Sports)

Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain, with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi having stated they would follow the government’s instructions. However, T20I team head coach Aaqib Javed mentioned that the squad is being announced because the January 31st deadline for selecting players is approaching. A key highlight of the squad is the return of veteran batter Babar Azam, who had been out of favor just last year.

Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain, having led the team to the final of the 2025 Asia Cup. Other players who have retained their places are Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shaheen Afridi. Fast bowler Haris Rauf is a notable exclusion, despite taking 20 wickets in the 2025-26 Big Bash League, alongside Hasan Ali and Mohammad Rizwan.

Several new players will also feature for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, including Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Usman Khan, and Mohammad Salman Mirza. Additionally, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan are rejoining the T20I squad following a long break.

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