Pakistan have not confirmed whether they will take part in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is expected to announce the board’s final decision later this week, has also kept the option of forfeiting a match against India open if required.
Naqvi met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Pakistan’s stance on the T20 World Cup. He said that talks are still ongoing and all options remain open. Naqvi added that the final decision will come by Friday or next Monday. Pakistan indicated that they may consider boycotting the tournament.
Pakistan Boycott of India Match May Depend on Early Group Results
Pakistan have not ruled out pulling out of the T20 World Cup and are still reviewing the political, legal, and financial consequences. According to Telecom Asia Sport, the board will make a decision after the team’s performance in the first two matches.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by a match against the USA on February 10. Winning both fixtures could change the situation, as it may remove the need for Pakistan to face India in the February 15 game in Colombo.
“If Pakistan win both these games, then the chance of forfeiture against India will be strong," a source was quoted as saying.
PCB to Take Final Call on Monday, Plan Protest Move at T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan are unlikely to announce their final decision immediately, with clarity expected only on Monday, one day after their three-match T20I series against Australia.
The PCB is planning to raise its concerns with the ICC over Bangladesh being removed from the tournament. The board also intends to officially notify the global body about its plan to stage a symbolic protest during the World Cup.
“Pakistan Cricket Board is also due to write a letter to the ICC about the protest during the World Cup," the report quoted a source as saying.
PCB Face Legal and Financial Risks Over Potential Boycott
The report added that PCB lawyers have cautioned that skipping matches, especially the high-revenue game against India, could trigger serious problems due to existing broadcast contracts.
If Pakistan boycott the event, the broadcaster could take legal action against the ICC. In response, the ICC would pass the claim on to the Pakistan Cricket Board, which could eventually reduce the annual funding shared by all member boards.
“Naqvi is told by PCB legal advisers that there is a $3 billion broadcast deal in place with JioStar sports (India) that runs until the end of 2027, the income from which is distributed among all ICC members. In case of a total boycott or not playing the huge money-generating match against India will hit the broadcasters heavily," the source was further quoted.
“In case of Pakistan’s boycott, the broadcaster will go to the court and seek compensation from the ICC. In turn, the ICC will hand over the notice to the PCB and finally all members will suffer in their share of annual funding," it added.
Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-ups schedule finally announced
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