Former Pakistan cricketers and ex-board members have stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should not risk the future of Pakistan cricket by supporting Bangladesh in its dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), citing player safety, refused to send its team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and insisted on shifting its matches to Sri Lanka. With little time left before the mega tournament, ICC rejected the demand, saying it was not feasible. Since BCB did not change its stance, ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the World Cup.
Earlier, Pakistan had offered to host Bangladesh’s matches, but ICC did not consider the proposal, leaving PCB disappointed. Now Pakistan is hinting at boycotting the tournament in solidarity with Bangladesh, even suggesting it may skip its match against India. However, the team clarified that the final decision rests with the government.
Cricket experts believe Pakistan may not go through with such a drastic step, warning that it would be suicidal for PCB to boycott.
Statements from former players and officials:
- Mohammad Hafeez: “Pakistan must definitely send its team to play the World Cup.”
- Arif Ali Abbasi (ex-PCB Secretary): “What will PCB gain by spoiling relations with ICC and other boards?”
- Khalid Mahmood (ex-PCB Chairman): “No other board supported Bangladesh’s demand except Pakistan. ICC members did not back BCB.”
- Mohsin Khan (ex-Head Coach): “Pakistan is already playing its matches in Sri Lanka. If it skips the World Cup, it will harm Pakistan cricket.”
- Inzamam-ul-Haq: “Pakistan should compete in the World Cup. Participation is good for Pakistan cricket.”
- Haroon Rashid: “Supporting Bangladesh is fine, but we must also think about our own cricket future.”
In short: Pakistan’s former cricketers are urging PCB not to boycott the World Cup and not to jeopardize its relationship with ICC, stressing that participation is vital for the future of Pakistan cricket.
