Pakistan Dismisses T20 World Cup Boycott Talk, Says No Reason to Pull Out

Islamabad, 20 January 2026 Pakistan have firmly rejected reports suggesting they might boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh. According to sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), there is no discussion or intention within the board to withdraw from the tournament, even if Bangladesh decide to step away due to their ongoing dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Clarifying the situation, a PCB source said Pakistan have “no grounds” to boycott the event, as all their World Cup matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. This arrangement was finalised in early 2025 after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Since Pakistan are not required to play any matches in India, the ICC would see no valid reason for them to opt out of the competition. Speculation about Pakistan’s stance gained momentum after reports claimed Bangladesh had approached them for diplomatic and cricketing support. Bangladesh’s disagreement with the ICC began after the BCCI reportedly asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board banned IPL broadcasts in the country and requested the ICC to shift their T20 World Cup group matches out of India, citing security concerns. However, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request after assessing the threat level at Indian venues as minimal. Bangladesh later suggested a group swap with Ireland, whose matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka, but the ICC reportedly assured Ireland that no changes would be made. The ICC has now asked Bangladesh to clearly state their final decision by January 21. If Bangladesh withdraw from the tournament, Scotland are expected to replace them in Group B. Pakistan Clears Air on T20 World Cup Participation, Rules Out Any Boycott Pakistan has put an end to rumours linking it to a possible boycott of the upcoming T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh. Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have clearly stated that the team is continuing its preparations as planned and has no intention of pulling out of the tournament under any circumstances. According to officials, Pakistan has no valid reason to withdraw since all of its World Cup matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. This arrangement was finalised earlier after India declined to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. As Pakistan is not playing any matches in India, the PCB believes there is no basis for the ICC to consider a withdrawal request. The speculation began after reports claimed that Bangladesh had reached out to Pakistan for support amid its ongoing disagreement with the ICC. The issue arose when the Bangladesh Cricket Board objected to the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from an IPL team, following which Bangladesh raised concerns about player safety in India and requested that its World Cup matches be moved to another country. The ICC, however, rejected Bangladesh’s request after assessing security conditions at Indian venues and finding no major risk. With the ICC asking Bangladesh to clarify its position by January 21, uncertainty remains over their participation. Meanwhile, Pakistan has made its stand clear and will continue with its World Cup campaign as scheduled.