Reports: Pakistan May Withdraw From T20 World Cup 2026 After ICC Replaces Bangladesh

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Pakistan's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain, with a final call expected after a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi later on Monday.

According to reports in Pakistan, the government is considering not allowing the national men's team to travel for the tournament, which begins on February 7 and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The development follows the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the 20-team competition.

Bangladesh were removed from the tournament after refusing to travel to India for their Group C fixtures, citing security concerns. The ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate their matches, and after issuing multiple warnings, confirmed Scotland as their replacement. The decision has reportedly triggered discontent within Pakistan, with officials viewing the episode as unfair treatment of a fellow Full Member nation.

Sources quoted in Pakistani media suggest that the ICC's handling of the Bangladesh situation has not gone down well with Islamabad, prompting the government to reassess Pakistan's participation in the event. The Pakistan Cricket Board is understood to be awaiting direction from the federal government before taking any formal position.

Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to brief Prime Minister Sharif on the matter during their meeting in Islamabad, where the political, diplomatic and sporting implications of a potential withdrawal are expected to be discussed. Until that meeting concludes, the PCB has refrained from issuing an official statement.

Pakistan are slated to compete in the T20 World Cup alongside 19 other teams, with the tournament marking one of the biggest ICC events of the cycle. Any withdrawal at this stage would have significant ramifications, both competitively and administratively, for the PCB and the tournament organisers.

For now, Pakistan's participation hangs in the balance, with clarity expected once the government communicates its final decision following Monday's talks.