Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Tournament boycott unlikely but ICC keeps Bangladesh on standby

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Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Despite the PCB chief's meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a tournament boycott now seems unlikely for Pakistan

42 Mins agoSri Lanka were suspended in 2023

1 Hr 30 Mins agoPCB thinks it can forfeit India match without ICC sanctions

1:08 PM IST, Jan 27Sanctions on the cards for PCB

11:56 AM IST, Jan 27ICC reworks Bangladesh media accreditation after team's World Cup exit

11:21 AM IST, Jan 27Pakistan's warm-up vs Ireland locked for February 4

11:10 AM IST, Jan 27PMO handout: “Resolve it” keep options open

10:37 AM IST, Jan 27Pakistan's T20 WC Call pushed to Feb 2, just four days before opener vs Netherlands

10:14 AM IST, Jan 27Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan have already announced the squad

12:30 PM IST, Jan 26Naqvi says decision on Friday or Monday!

12:17 PM IST, Jan 26Decision shortly!

12:12 PM IST, Jan 26Shukla slams Pakistan!

11:02 AM IST, Jan 26Meeting expected at 4:30 PM IST!

10:20 AM IST, Jan 26What if PAK boycott India match?

8:28 AM IST, Jan 26Pakistan ‘mull’ withdrawing from WC

5:00 AM IST, Jan 26What about financial losses?

4:31 AM IST, Jan 26Will Pakistan face sanctions if they withdraw?

3:51 AM IST, Jan 26Why Pakistan are supporting Bangladesh?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Updates: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended the suspense over the country’s T20 World Cup participation after Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi said the matter is under discussion with all options on the table, with a final decision expected either by Friday or next Monday. After Bangladesh, the focus has now shifted to Pakistan, who have indicated that a potential boycott of the T20 World Cup could be on the table. However, the final decision rests with the Pakistan government, which is expected to make an official announcement on Monday....Read More

Pakistan were the only ICC member nation to support Bangladesh in its standoff with the apex body. Earlier this month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanded that their World Cup group matches be shifted out of India, citing security concerns. The issue arose in the wake of the BCCI directing Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

The ICC held multiple rounds of negotiations with the BCB, but maintained that tinkering with the World Cup schedule was not an option.

With the BCB remaining firm on its stance, the ICC had no choice but to name Scotland as the replacement team, effectively shutting the World Cup door on Bangladesh.

Following the announcement, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore that it was time for Pakistan to review its participation after what he termed an “unfair” act against Bangladesh by the ICC.

Follow all the updates here:

Jan 27, 2026 8:09:04 PM IST

ICC precedent on government interference: Sri Lanka were suspended in 2023

As Pakistan frame their T20 World Cup 2026 call as government-led decision, it has quietly put the ICC's long-standing stance on autonomous governance back in focus. The ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket's membership on November 10, 2023, citing government interference in the administration of the board, before lifting that suspension on January 28, 2024.

Jan 27, 2026 7:21:33 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB thinks it can forfeit India match without ICC sanctions

A Dawn report adds new layer to Pakistan's options on the table stance: well-informed sources claim the PCB believes it has solid grounds to forfeit the February 15 group match vs India and still avoid ICC sanctions or a cash penalty - if the move is framed as a government instruction rather than a board decision. The same report says Naqvi briefed PM Shehbaz Sharif on the positive and negative impacts of the available options, and that a total tournament boycott is not the top priority right now.

Jan 27, 2026 6:38:41 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Sanctions on the cards for PCB

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: There are some serious sanctions on the cards for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if they pull out of the T20 World Cup or even forfeit the Group A match against India in Colombo. Some of the sanctions can be exclusion from the Asia Cup and end of all bilateral series.

The foreign players might also be barred from playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The list is endless hence the PCB need to see it all through before making it official.

Jan 27, 2026 5:26:53 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: ICC reworks Bangladesh media accreditation after team's World Cup exit

Bangladeshi journalists say their T20 World Cup 2026 accreditation applications are being rejected after Bangladesh's withdrawal, with ICC sources indicating the process is now being reworked because the number of requests and schedules have changed.

Jan 27, 2026 4:51:42 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan's warm-up vs Ireland locked for February 4

Pakistan are currently scheduled to play Ireland in warm-up game on February 4 in Colombo, a fixture that effectively turns into a deadline marker as the boycott cloud lingers. The matches is listed as part of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Warm-up matches, with Colombo as the venue, putting Pakistan's preparation plans on a tight rope if the final participation decision slips late.

Jan 27, 2026 4:40:21 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PMO handout: “Resolve it” keep options open

Pakistan's participation call for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 remains in limbo even after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a PMO handout indicating the government wants the matter resolved while keeping all options on the table.

Jan 27, 2026 4:07:37 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan's T20 WC Call pushed to Feb 2, just four days before opener vs Netherlands

Pakistan's final decision on playing the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is now expected by February 2, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, after his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi reiterated that the call will be taken “either on Friday or next Monday”. effectively leaving the PC perilously close to the tournament's start date.

Jan 27, 2026 3:44:01 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan have already announced the squad

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Amid the ongoing drama regarding the participation in the tournament, it is important to mention that Pakistan announced the squad for the World Cup on January 25. Salman Ali Agha was named as the captain while Babar Azam was also included. Haris Rauf was the high profile omission from the team.

Jan 27, 2026 1:10:47 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Why Pakistan can't boycott India game

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to a report in RevSportz, PCB will be staring at a $38 million lawsuit by the host broadcasters if they withdraw from the match against India on February 15. The broadcasters will drag PCB to the court and seek compensation.

Jan 27, 2026 11:13:19 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: No grounds for Pakistan's boycott?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: The Cricbuzz report had also mentioned that Pakistan have no ground for boycotting the tournament given that they are playing their matches in a venue of their choosing. Based on an agreement with the ICC and the BCCI earlier last year, Pakistan will not be playing any of their matches in a global tournament in India. Hence, Sri Lanka was added as a co-host for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Jan 27, 2026 9:47:47 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Bangladesh on standby?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Although Pakistan are unlikely to boycott, ICC has kept an option ready with them. With PCB yet to make their decision final, ICC is contemplating to handing Bangladesh the World Cup slot should Pakistan withdraw. “If Pakistan decide to withdraw, Bangladesh would be given the opportunity to replace them in Group A and play all their matches in Sri Lanka as per BCB’s original request. This arrangement would pose limited logistical challenges,” an official aware of the matter told HT.

Jan 27, 2026 9:13:59 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: T20 World Cup boycott unlikely

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to a latest report in Cricbuzz, Pakistan are unlikely to either boycott the T20 World Cup tournament or the group game against India as both would be a breach of their participation agreement with the ICC, which would invite serious sanctions.

Jan 26, 2026 7:56:12 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: “All options on the table”

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Mohsin Naqvi’s update also suggests the issue has moved beyond cricket administration into a government-led decision tree, where Pakistan will weigh sporting participation against optics at home and leverage abroad. “All options on the table” leaves space for everything from a full withdrawal to a conditional entry, a symbolic protest during matches, or a narrower stance focused on one fixture.

Jan 26, 2026 7:03:14 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Shukla on Bangladesh exit!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Rajeev Shukla reveals why Scotland replaced Bangladesh.

“We wanted Bangladesh to play and we also assured full security, but since they have made this decision, it is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment. This is why Scotland was brought in..,” he added.

Jan 26, 2026 6:00:47 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Naqvi says decision on Friday or Monday!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said he had a “productive” meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the ongoing ICC matter, with the premier urging that all options remain on the table.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” Mohsin Naqvi wrote on X.

Jan 26, 2026 5:47:32 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Decision shortly!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to local media reports in Pakistan, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to discuss the issue, with a decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup expected shortly.

Jan 26, 2026 5:42:09 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Shukla slams Pakistan!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla sharply criticised Pakistan for its actions toward Bangladesh, accusing the neighbouring country of unnecessary interference and attempts to mislead.

“Pakistan is intervening in the matter without any reason and provoking Bangladesh… Everyone knows the brutality done by Pakistan on the Bangladeshis, and now they are trying to mislead them, which is completely wrong…,” Shukla said on Monday to ANI.

Jan 26, 2026 4:56:36 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Uncertainty grows!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup continues to deepen, with reports in the local media from Pakistan suggesting that the team may consider sitting out only the match against India rather than pulling out of the tournament entirely.

Jan 26, 2026 4:32:32 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Meeting expected at 4:30 PM IST!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: In the wake of Bangladesh being dropped from the 2026 T20 World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that Pakistan’s participation in the tournament is also under question. He revealed that the option of staying away from the event is under discussion, but stressed that the final decision will rest with the Pakistan government. Naqvi added that the situation should become clearer soon, as according to the report, he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later today at 4:30 PM IST.

Jan 26, 2026 3:50:15 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: What if PAK boycott India match?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Skipping the clash against India would see Pakistan hand over a walkover, a costly blow in a tightly contested Group A. With India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia in the same group, only two teams will advance to the next stage. Dropping two points without playing would leave Pakistan under immediate pressure, making the remaining three fixtures virtually must-win encounters and significantly reducing any margin for error.

Jan 26, 2026 3:22:47 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB openly supported BCB!

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Mohsin Naqvi also told the players that the Bangladesh stance of not wanting to play their matches in India was a principled one.

“We firmly reject the double standards of the ICC,” Naqvi was quoted as saying in the PCB statement, adding that the game should be run within the spirt and principles of the game.

Jan 26, 2026 2:30:15 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan could also skip India match

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Multiple reports in Pakistani media indicated that should the team participate they will consider several symbolic gestures to show solidarity towards Bangladesh.

Option 1. Wear black armbands during all World Cup matches.

Option 2. Boycott the match against India on February 15.

Option 3. Dedicate all their wins in the tournament to Bangladesh cricket supporters.

Jan 26, 2026 1:58:55 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Pakistan ‘mull’ withdrawing from WC

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to a report in Geo News, the Pakistan government is likely to tell PCB to not send their team for the T20 World Cup. amid the resentment against ICC's call on Bangladesh. “The final decision rests with the prime minister, but early indications suggest that the government may not allow Pakistan to participate in the T20 World Cup,” a senior government source revealed. “This is not just about cricket, it is about principles. Bangladesh has been deprived of its legitimate right, and the ICC’s step-motherly treatment has forced Pakistan to seriously rethink its participation.”

Jan 26, 2026 1:16:46 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: What has been the verdict from the players?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: PCB had issued a statement on Sunday night saying that the players backed the principled stance of the board to support Bangladesh. "We stand with you on whatever decision you and the government take," they told Naqvi.

Jan 26, 2026 12:56:19 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Do the players know about PCB's stance?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Unlike in the case for the BCB, the Pakistan board has kept the players in the loop about the T20 World Cup decision. After the announcement of the World Cup squad on Sunday in Lahore, Naqvi met the players and coach Mike Hesson and informed them in a closed-door meeting that "We are waiting for the government's advice and whatever the government tells us to do we will do it. If they don’t want us to go for the World Cup, we will follow it."

Jan 26, 2026 12:14:06 PM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: What did Mohsin Naqvi say on Bangladesh's ejection?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: The PCB chief came out in support of Bangladesh, alleging that the ICC had treated them unfairly by removing them from the T20 World Cup. He said: "Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. I said the same in the board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC). You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country. That is why we have taken the stand that Bangladesh is being treated unfairly and should be allowed to play the World Cup in any case. They are a major stakeholder and this injustice should not be done."

Jan 26, 2026 11:36:38 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Who will replace Pakistan if they withdraw?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Scotland were selected as Bangladesh's replacement because they were the next-best-ranked team outside the World Cup participants' list. According to the rule, Uganda, ranked 21, should be announced as Pakistan's replacement if Pakistan withdraw.

Jan 26, 2026 10:30:35 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: What about financial losses?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Besides potential ICC sanctions, the Pakistan Cricket Board would also face significant financial losses if it withdraws from the T20 World Cup, comparable to those suffered by the BCB. Pakistan would forfeit the USD 500,000 participation fee paid to each competing nation. More critically, the board could lose its share of the ICC’s annual revenue distribution, along with sponsorship income linked to World Cup participation.

Jan 26, 2026 10:01:27 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Will Pakistan face sanctions if they withdraw?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to a report in The Indian Express, Naqvi's comment on the Bangladesh matter, especially with him accusing ICC of “double standards”, did not sit well with the apex body, who in turn has threatened PCB of sanctions if they withdraw. “If Pakistan also decides not to play the T20 World Cup, the ICC will impose a series of sanctions, including no bilateral series with any international team, no NOC for foreign players in PSL, and no Asia Cup participation,” a source told the national daily.

Jan 26, 2026 9:21:45 AM IST

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Why Pakistan are supporting Bangladesh?

Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: According to reports in the Pakistan media last week, it was the Bangladesh government who reached out to Pakistan for support, and the PCB backed their concerns. Pakistan even shot an email to the ICC regarding it, and offered to host Bangladesh's World Cup matches.

In a separate report, PCB had said that they would review their participation if the matter is not solved and even told the players to halt their preparations with the board told to make contingency plan should they pull out.

Jan 26, 2026 9:15:45 AM IST

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