The International Cricket Council (ICC) is putting their best effort into running the T20 World Cup 2026 as per the schedule. But Pakistan’s decision to boycott their match against India put the entire cricket ecosystem in a dilemma.
To convince Pakistan to follow the fixtures properly, the council has asked its deputy chairman, Imran Khwaja, to communicate with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as per RevSportz. Khwaja, also a representative of Singapore cricket, is in charge of developing a fruitful discussion with the PCB with the aim of conducting the high-profile tournament without any further trouble.
PCB’s silence is increasing uncertainty ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026
The Government of Pakistan, through their official social media platforms, on Sunday stated that the men’s national cricket team will take part in the T20 World Cup 2026 as per the schedule, but will not take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Your daily dose of cricket!
The government announcement was made on Sunday, and today is February 4, and so far, there is no clear voice from the PCB regarding the matter. As a full-time member, they are liable to maintain a connection with the council regarding their stance. But there are no visible efforts from Naqvi to inform ICC formally about the boycott.
What will PCB do next?
Will PCB inform ICC formally? In reply, there are multiple contrasting reports floating on the internet. Some claim that the board will remain silent to leave the council under suspension. While some other reports stated that the PCB can make some announcements within the next 48 hours. The next two days are going to be very crucial, according to such claims.
ICC had a row with Bangladesh, where PCB had nothing to do. But they put themselves forcefully into the matter right after the ICC ejected the Bangladesh cricket team from the tournament. It is believed that PCB and the government have been doing the ‘boycott’ drama only to show support to Bangladesh, which is their friendly nation on the political map.
Though Pakistan soon can take a U-turn
The situation can change drastically in the near future as Bangladesh is heading for a general election, which is before the February 15th T20 World Cup 2026 match. The vote in Bangladesh can influence Naqvi’s standpoint ahead of the match with India, because he is not only the chief of the PCB but also the interior minister. The general election in Bangladesh will be on February 12.
“Naqvi, more than a cricket administrator, is a politician who is not one bit bothered about the welfare of the national team. He is trying to score a brownie point with his and could well flip once elections are held on February 12. There would still be two days before the India game, and things could just change. Else he knows that Pakistan could be ostracized,” a source close to PCB claimed to the media.
Read More: Pakistan shockingly boxed in! ICC agreement breach leaves no escape as 48-hour clock starts ticking
