The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a strong warning to Pakistan over the T20 World Cup boycott drama, a move that could trigger unprecedented sanctions, sources told India Today.
The ICC’s warning comes after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi backed Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw from the international tournament, citing security concerns.
According to sources, if Pakistan chooses to follow Bangladesh’s path, the ICC will likely view it as a direct challenge to its authority, forcing the world body to respond strongly to protect the integrity of international tournaments.
A withdrawal from the T20 World Cup would seriously harm Pakistan’s position in world cricket and cause long-term financial and structural damage to the PCB. ICC ready to impose ‘never before seen’ sanctions if Pakistan withdraws from tournament.
These could include banning foreign players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), massive revenue losses for the PCB due to reduced funding to the ICC, withdrawal of international recognition and commercial support from the PSL, exclusion from the Asia Cup and suspension of all bilateral series involving Pakistan.
Naqvi had earlier said that Pakistan’s position regarding participation in the World Cup would be guided by the government.
“Our position will be whatever the government of Pakistan directs me to do. When the prime minister returns, I can give you our final decision. It is the government’s decision. We obey it, not the ICC,” Naqvi said.
When asked if the CPC had a contingency plan in case Pakistan did not participate in the tournament, Naqvi said the CPC had “plans A, B, C and D” in mind, without providing further details. Sources, however, said the CPC was fully aware that a complete boycott of the T20 World Cup could have irreversible consequences.
Bangladesh withdrew from the international tournament, citing security concerns and venue arrangements. Tensions came to a head after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 roster. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) subsequently requested that the T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka, a request which was rejected by the ICC.
After a meeting with its players on January 22, Bangladesh formally decided to boycott the tournament.
