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ICC Threatens Pakistan With Sanctions Over T20 World Cup Withdrawal

The ICC has reportedly warned the Pakistan Cricket Board of severe consequences if they withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of "double standards" favoring India and stated Pakistan's final decision rests with its government. Potential sanctions include suspension of all bilateral cricket, denial of NOCs for foreign players in the PSL, and exclusion from the Asia Cup. Pakistan's participation now hinges on a directive from the Prime Minister upon his return to the country.

Key Points: ICC Warns Pakistan of Sanctions for T20 WC Withdrawal

  • ICC warns of major sanctions
  • Pakistan may withdraw supporting Bangladesh
  • Sanctions include no bilateral series
  • Foreign PSL players could lose NOCs
2 min read

ICC warns Pakistan of massive sanctions if they withdraw from T20 WC: Report

ICC threatens Pakistan with severe sanctions, including bilateral series suspension and PSL player bans, if they withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"Our stance will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me... We obey them, not the ICC. - Naqvi"

New Delhi, Jan 25

International Cricket Council reportedly warned the Pakistan Cricket Board of serious sanctions if they were to withdraw from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in support of Bangladesh after their ouster from the tournament for their refusal to play their matches in India.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Saturday that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate in the tournament per the published match schedule.

After Bangladesh's exit, Naqvi accused the ICC of "double standards" favouring India and termed what happened to Bangladesh "an injustice". He also said that a final decision on their T20 World Cup participation would be made after talking to Pakistan's government.

"Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. One country can make any decision whenever, while it is the opposite for another. Bangladesh is a major stakeholder, and this injustice should not happen," Naqvi told reporters on Saturday.

"Our stance (on World Cup participation) will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I'll be able to give you our final decision. It's the government's decision. We obey them, not the ICC," he added.

According to a report in The Indian Express, if Pakistan were to withdraw from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC could impose sanctions, which include suspension of all bilateral series, denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and exclusion from the Asia Cup.

"If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose a series of sanctions, including no bilateral series with any international team, no NOC for foreign players in PSL, and no Asia Cup participation," an ICC source was quoted as saying in the report.

Pakistan play all their games in Sri Lanka for this event (which already was a co-hosted event) and are scheduled to play the opening game of the tournament, against the Netherlands on February 7. They are scheduled to play India on February 15 in Colombo in their group stage clash.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I just want to see good matches. All this posturing is so frustrating. The Bangladesh board made a choice, they face the consequences. Pakistan should think of their players and not drag them into this mess. The PSL needs foreign players!
A
Arjun K
Honestly, the PCB chief saying "We obey them, not the ICC" says it all. How can you be part of an international body if you don't respect its rules? This isn't about favouring India, it's about following the schedule everyone agreed to. Withdrawing would be a huge blunder for Pakistan cricket.
P
Priyanka N
While I understand the sentiment of standing with a neighbour, the practical impact would be devastating. No Asia Cup? No bilateral series? Pakistani cricket will be isolated for years. Think of the young talent there. This is an emotional decision, not a strategic one.
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Karthik V
The ICC's stance seems harsh but necessary to maintain order. Every board signed the agreement. You can't pick and choose venues based on political relations. Scotland must be thrilled though! From a fan perspective, I just hope the India-Pakistan match on Feb 15 happens. It's the biggest rivalry!
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Michael C
Respectfully, I have to criticize the ICC's communication here. Terms like "massive sanctions" in reports create a hostile environment. A private, firm discussion with the PCB would be more professional. The public threats aren't helpful for the spirit of the game.

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