Former Pakistan Cricketers Warn PCB Against Withdrawing From T20 World Cup

Bangladesh's exclusion from the 2026 T20 World Cup not only causes a considerable financial loss to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), but also sparks a new debate in international cricket politics. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has openly supported Bangladesh's stance and even threatened the International Cricket Council (ICC) with withdrawal from the tournament. However, several former Pakistani cricketers have warned the PCB against pursuing this course of action.

Former Pakistan captains Mohammad Hafeez, Inzamam-ul-Haq, along with ex-PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohsin Khan, and former secretary Arif Ali Abbasi, agree that backing Bangladesh is one thing, but damaging relations with the ICC wouldn't serve Pakistan cricket's best interests.

Hafeez emphasized, "The PCB must send the Pakistan team to the T20 World Cup. If Pakistan doesn't participate, Pakistani cricket will suffer the most." Abbasi also questioned the practicality of the decision, stating, "I understand support for Bangladesh, but what does not sending a team accomplish? It would only harm relations with the ICC and other member boards."

He also noted that all Pakistan's World Cup matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka, saying, "If Pakistan withdraws, Sri Lanka would suffer significant losses, as our matches, including those against India, are scheduled there." Khalid Mahmood, while acknowledging the PCB's stance as theoretically sound, advised a pragmatic approach, saying, "It's important to remember that no other board supported Bangladesh's demand at the ICC meeting. Principles matter, but the long-term interests of Pakistan cricket should guide the final decision."

Mohsin Khan added that, despite issues with India, Pakistan is playing all matches in Sri Lanka, so withdrawing from the World Cup isn't justified. He questioned, "If the Bangladesh Cricket Board isn't challenging the ICC's decision, on what basis is the PCB opposing sending the team? This could harm our cricket." 

Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf also urged caution, advising the board to consider all factors before making a final choice. Inzamam expressed a desire to see Pakistan compete in the World Cup, stating, "We have talented players, and performing well is vital for our cricket's reputation."

Former Test batsman and coach Haroon Rashid believes Pakistan will ultimately participate, noting, "Supporting Bangladesh is positive, but Pakistan should prioritize its own cricket interests now."

The controversy started with protests over alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Several Indian organizations demanded the exclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026. Following BCCI directives, Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur. In response, Bangladesh's cricket board and government planned to block IPL broadcasts and refused to send their team to India for World Cup matches. The BCB asked the ICC to move their games to Sri Lanka or change their group, but their request was denied.

Pakistan expressed support for Bangladesh, advising the latter to stick to its decision not to attend in India and offering support. Pakistan was the sole country voting in favor of Bangladesh at the ICC Board, even proposing that the tournament be relocated from India to Sri Lanka.

However, the ICC, citing safety assurances for Bangladeshi players, rejected the proposal and confirmed matches would proceed in India. Consequently, the BCB followed its government's advice and withdrew from the tournament, with Scotland replacing Bangladesh. 

The PCB has argued that if a hybrid model was feasible for Pakistan, it could have been for Bangladesh too. Threatening to withdraw, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the final decision on Pakistan's participation rests with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, with clarity expected by Monday or Tuesday.