Pakistan could follow Bangladesh’s path after the ICC shut Bangladesh out of the T20 World Cup, with the PCB weighing a boycott and preparing a domestic tournament as an alternative.
Bangladesh refused to travel to India and paid the price. The ICC removed them from the tournament, prompting the BCB to launch the ‘Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026’ to keep players active and visible.
That decision now echoes in Pakistan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly backed Bangladesh and labelled the ICC’s move unfair, turning a regional dispute into a wider governance issue.
Naqvi has already met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Pakistan’s stance. Another meeting is scheduled today, with a final decision expected within hours rather than days.
If Pakistan choose to play, logistics move quickly. Players would leave for Colombo by 2 February, and the board plans to unveil the World Cup jersey immediately, potentially with the Prime Minister present.
If Pakistan walk away, the PCB will not leave its players idle. The board plans a four-team tournament featuring national players, the Shaheens and Under-19 cricketers, mirroring Bangladesh’s domestic solution.
This approach protects form and finances. It also sends a quiet message that boards can create value without the ICC when politics hijack sport.
