The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), cautioning that Pakistan could face complete cricketing isolation if it withdraws from the 2026 T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh. Naqvi’s comments were triggered by the ICC’s refusal to move Bangladesh’s World Cup matches out of India, despite previously approving a hybrid hosting model for Pakistan fixtures. By publicly questioning the ICC’s authority and hinting at a possible boycott of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan has escalated the dispute to what officials describe as a “breaking point.”If Pakistan follows through on its threat to withdraw, the ICC is said to be prepared with unprecedented sanctions. While Pakistan has not yet formally withdrawn from the T20 World Cup, Naqvi has stated that the final decision rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. With the World Cup deadline approaching, the ICC and PCB now face a critical period that could significantly reshape Pakistan’s role in international cricket.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 25, 2026 18:47 UTC