LAHORE, PAKISTAN — The future of the 2026 T20 World Cup hangs in the balance as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) contemplates a historic boycott. PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, Monday, January 26, 2026, following the PM’s return from abroad.
The standoff began after the International Cricket Council (ICC) removed Bangladesh from the tournament (replacing them with Scotland) because they refused to play in India. Naqvi has accused the ICC of “double standards,” arguing that if Pakistan was granted a hybrid model (playing in Sri Lanka), the same favor should have been extended to Bangladesh.
1. The ICC’s “Existential” Warning
The ICC has reportedly responded to Naqvi’s boycott threats with an unprecedented ultimatum. According to internal sources, should Pakistan pull out, they face:
- Complete Isolation: A ban on all bilateral series with other international teams.
- Asia Cup Exclusion: Removal from the 2026 Asia Cup and future editions.
- PSL Crippling: The ICC would coordinate with member boards to deny No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players, effectively barring international stars from the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Financial Penalties: Withholding of the PCB’s share of ICC revenue.
2. The Squad Paradox
Despite the boycott threat, the PCB officially announced its 15-member World Cup squad on Sunday.
- New Leadership: Salman Ali Agha has been named captain, signaling a major shift in Pakistan’s white-ball strategy.
- The Return: Babar Azam returns as a core batter, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah lead the pace attack.
- Notable Omissions: Haris Rauf (dropped due to form) and Mohammad Rizwan (remains in T20I exile) are the major talking points.
- Preparation: The team begins a preparation camp today in Lahore for the upcoming Australia T20I series (starting Jan 29).
3. The Broadcaster’s Nightmare
The high-voltage India vs. Pakistan clash is currently scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo.
- The Stakes: Broadcasters like Disney Star and various sponsors have billions riding on this specific match.
- Basit Ali’s Warning: Former cricketer Basit Ali noted that a Pakistan withdrawal would leave broadcasters “on the road,” as no replacement team (likely Uganda, based on rankings) could match the commercial pull of the arch-rivals.
Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
| Role | Players |
| Captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Batters | Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan |
| Wicketkeepers | Sahibzada Farhan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay |
| All-Rounders | Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf |
| Pacers | Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Salman Mirza |
| Spinners | Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq |