Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly taken issue with the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026, describing the treatment as unfair and inconsistent. Speaking to reporters, Naqvi said Pakistan would not take an independent call on its own participation and would instead follow directions issued by the country’s leadership.

Bangladesh recently pulled out of the tournament after the ICC declined its request to relocate matches away from India, citing unresolved security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had also approached the ICC’s dispute resolution mechanism as a last attempt to seek relief, but the appeal did not succeed. Subsequently, the ICC confirmed Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement.

Naqvi said the situation reflected “double standards” within the global body. According to him, Bangladesh, as a full ICC member and a significant cricketing nation, deserved flexibility rather than exclusion. He reiterated that he had raised these concerns during ICC board discussions, stressing that rules should be applied uniformly to all member countries.

When asked whether Pakistan could consider a similar boycott, Naqvi made it clear that the decision was not his alone. He said the PCB would act strictly on instructions from the Pakistani government, adding that a final position would be known once consultations at the highest level were complete. He also hinted that contingency plans were in place should Pakistan decide not to take part.

Naqvi further pointed to the hybrid hosting model already in place for Pakistan, under which its matches in India-hosted ICC events are held in Sri Lanka. He argued that Bangladesh should have been offered a similar arrangement instead of being forced out. Emphasising equality among member nations, he said no country should be allowed to impose its will on another.

Pakistan, meanwhile, remains scheduled to play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Colombo, including a high-profile clash against India on February 15. Whether Pakistan ultimately participates will depend on the outcome of government-level deliberations.