Pakistan cricketers revolt against Mohsin Naqvi and PCB for backing Bangladesh in T20 World Cup row

Former Pakistan cricketers and ex-board officials have slammed the PCB’s stance on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They have warned that backing Bangladesh’s position and risking withdrawal from the tournament could damage Pakistan’s relationship with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The PCB have delayed a final decision on Pakistan’s involvement in the T20 World Cup following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. Mohsin Naqvi said the board is still reviewing its position and will confirm whether Pakistan will take part or pull out by Friday (January 30) or Monday (February 2).

Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup 2026 after refusing to travel to India for the event. In response, Pakistan are weighing their own participation as a possible form of protest against Bangladesh’s ouster.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

What Purpose Will PCB Achieve by Not Sending Its Team? - Arif Ali Abbasi

As per a PTI report, former PCB secretary Arif Ali Abbasi slammed the PCB for considering boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026. He said that supporting Bangladesh is understandable but questioned the logic of withdrawing from the tournament while Pakistan are set to play all their matches in Sri Lanka.

“I can understand Pakistan supporting Bangladesh, but what purpose will PCB achieve by not sending its team apart from spoiling relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and member boards,” Abbasi said, as quoted by PTI.

“What about our relations with Sri Lanka? Obviously, Sri Lanka will suffer losses if Pakistan doesn’t go as all our matches are in Sri Lanka, including matches with India,” he added.

Except Pakistan, No Other Board Backed Bangladesh - Khalid Mahmood

Former Pakistan cricketer Khalid Mahmood said that the PCB’s backing of Bangladesh was a positive gesture but warned the board against ignoring practical realities. He pointed out that Pakistan were the only board to support Bangladesh’s request to move matches out of India.

"We have to remember that, except for Pakistan, no other cricket board supported the Bangladesh demand to move matches from India. I can understand the stance taken by the Bangladesh board, but it is also a fact that no one supported them in the ICC meeting," Mahmood said.

Mohsin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq Question PCB’s World Cup Stand

Former Pakistan greats Mohsin Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq said that skipping the T20 World Cup would hurt the country’s cricket.

Mohsin said the move makes little sense, especially since Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka. Inzamam-ul-Haq echoed similar views and added that Pakistan need strong performances in big tournaments for cricket to move forward.

"We have issues with India but we are playing all our matches in Sri Lanka. So, then on what grounds will the PCB not send its team to the World Cup. It will be bad for our cricket,” Mohsin Khan cautioned.

“I personally would like to see Pakistan compete in the World Cup. We have some good players and our cricket needs to see our team doing well in big events,” Inzamam Ul Haq said.

Also read: Pakistan to boycott India clash only if Babar Azam-starrer team don’t choke against USA