Wasim Akram has questioned Pakistan’s stance on the 2026 T20 World Cup after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted at a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh, with the debate unfolding this week across live television and boardroom meetings in Pakistan.
Akram raised the issue during a live discussion as talk of an emotional protest gathered pace. He looked straight at the logic and asked, “Why should Pakistan think about boycotting the T20 World Cup just because Bangladesh do not want to play? What has Bangladesh done for Pakistan cricket?” It was blunt, and it cut through the noise.
The former fast bowler did not stop there. He added, “I see no sense in this. Pakistan cricket should focus on itself, concentrate on playing, and try to win the World Cup.” That line landed hard because it challenged sentiment with cold reality.
Akram warned that such a move would not hurt anyone else as much as Pakistan. He stressed that withdrawing over another country’s political or security concerns would invite serious consequences, including the risk of heavy ICC sanctions. That is not opinion, that is precedent.
Pakistan’s debate stems from Bangladesh’s refusal to play World Cup matches in India due to security concerns. The ICC spent three weeks in talks, but Bangladesh held their ground, prompting the governing body to replace them with Scotland last Friday.
That decision triggered outrage in Pakistan. PCB president Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of treating Bangladesh unfairly and described the process as hypocritical. He later met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and announced that a final call on participation would come on Friday or Monday.
