Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi has said he would support Pakistan boycotting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup if the board decides to stand alongside Bangladesh, calling Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India a ‘just and strong position’.
Bangladesh have taken the decision not to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup due to security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board requested that their scheduled matches in India be moved to Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament, but the ICC rejected the proposal.
Reports in Pakistani media, including Geo Super, have suggested that Pakistan could also consider boycotting the tournament if Bangladesh follow through with their stance. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has already publicly called for a boycott, although the PCB has yet to issue an official statement.
Sethi, who previously served as PCB chairman, said he would back such a decision if it is taken under the leadership of current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Sethi said, “By boycotting the World Cup, Bangladesh has taken a fair and strong position. Now the question is what decision the PCB takes. It will be a difficult decision, but I would support it.”
He added, “Mohsin Naqvi understands cricket and has a good grasp of all aspects. Whatever decision he makes will be the right one, and he should remain firm on that decision.”
Sethi also criticised the ICC, accusing the governing body of consistently favouring India in major decisions. “The ICC must stop taking India’s side on every issue,” he said. “Other countries now need to stand up. Once that happens, the ICC will understand that it is not the Indian Cricket Council, it is the International Cricket Council.”
According to Sethi, Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches deserved greater consideration. “The BCB had a valid reason, because there are issues of tension and threats,” he said. “But the ICC did not take the matter seriously. There was bias towards India, and the decision came according to India’s preference.”
The men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with India and Sri Lanka named as co-hosts. Bangladesh’s stance and the possibility of Pakistan joining a boycott have added fresh uncertainty to the build-up to the tournament.
