New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a strong warning to Pakistan over the possibility of boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup, with sources indicating that such a move could trigger unprecedented sanctions and isolate Pakistan from global cricket.
According to officials familiar with the matter, a withdrawal by Pakistan would not only damage the country’s standing in world cricket but also inflict long-term financial and structural harm on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Potential measures under consideration include barring foreign players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), massive reductions in ICC funding, suspension of bilateral series, exclusion from the Asia Cup, and withdrawal of commercial backing for domestic tournaments.
The ICC’s concern follows public remarks by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who expressed support for Bangladesh after their decision to pull out of the tournament citing security concerns.
Sources said that if Pakistan follows a similar path, the ICC would see it as a direct challenge to its authority and respond firmly to protect the integrity of its tournaments.
Naqvi told reporters that the PCB would follow the government’s instructions on participation, with a final decision expected after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns from abroad
“Our stance will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. We obey them, not the ICC,” he said.
While the PCB has multiple contingency plans, officials acknowledged that a full boycott could have irreversible consequences.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal was triggered by security concerns and venue issues after their appeal to shift matches to Sri Lanka was rejected by the ICC.
Following a formal boycott, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland, escalating tensions in regional cricket.Sources said the ICC’s warning aims to prevent Pakistan from following Bangladesh’s path and to maintain the credibility and smooth conduct of the T20 World Cup.
