The ICC’s marquee event, the T20 World Cup, is less than two weeks away, but the controversy around the teams’ participation still remains. Will Pakistan boycott World Cup is another debate that has erupted in recent days. Pakistan’s standoff with the ICC originated after it removed Bangladesh from the tournament and replaced them with Scotland. As per PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the apex board can’t have double standards, and Pakistan support Bangladesh due to the injustice. Although the Men in Green announced their T20 World Cup squad on January 25, the final decision on their participation will be taken by the end of this week. Let’s take a look at the possible sanctions on Pakistan if they pull out of the tournament.
Related Article：A Costly Stand：What Bangladesh Out of T20 World Cup Could Really Trigger?
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Potential Impacts Pakistan Could Face After T20 World Cup Exit
The controversy began when the BCCI asked the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad. The move was due to the backlash received from the fans amid hostile relations between India and Bangladesh. Then, Bangladesh countered by refusing to play their T20 World Cup games in India, citing security concerns. They requested a shift of their games to Sri Lanka, like the Pakistan side. However, the ICC refused to agree to Bangladesh’s demand and gave them a deadline to accept the schedule, as it was not feasible for them to make a change just 15 days before the high-profile tournament.
Road to 🏆 2026 begins!
🇵🇰 Squad unveiled for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 🌍
Read More 👉🏻 https://t.co/iooMXUS5g6#BackTheBoysInGreen #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/VOSkvs05MC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 25, 2026
Notably, only the PCB is said to have supported the BCB to move the latter’s game out of India. But, the ICC clarified that there are no threats to the Bangladesh media persons, officials, fans, and players after thorough security assessments. After Bangladesh stayed firm on their decision, the ICC replaced them with Scotland. The recent reports claim that after Pakistan support Bangladesh, the PCB will be conducting detailed discussions with the PM on whether they should head to Sri Lanka to participate in the T20 World Cup.
👀 Bangladesh waiting in the wings! If Pakistan withdraws, Bangladesh could replace them in Group A and play in Sri Lanka. 🏏 (Hindustan Times) pic.twitter.com/43EADZMzc8
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) January 27, 2026
Will Pakistan boycott World Cup is on everyone’s minds, as the decision now solely lies with the country’s government. Moreover, Pakistan is also rumored to skip their high-profile game against India on February 15 in Colombo as a part of their targeted protest. If PCB and the government decide to boycott the tournament, there could be severe sanctions on Pakistan cricket. As per media reports, the ICC will ban the Men in Green from playing any bilateral series with the other nations.
Furthermore, the ICC could also deny providing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the foreign players participating in the Pakistan Super League. The move could hit them hard, as the tournament will be played during the IPL, and the broadcasters will face losses in revenue without overseas stars. It is also being said that Pakistan might not participate in the next edition of the Asia Cup if it decides to skip the T20 World Cup. Notably, the ICC is of the view that Pakistan doesn’t have any grounds for skipping the tournament, as they have already opted for a hybrid model and will play their games in Sri Lanka.
Implications for the ECB If Pakistan Is Banned from International Cricket
Although the answer to the question of will Pakistan boycott World Cup will be answered in a few days, the crux of the topic is what could be the future for the Men in Green, if they decide not participate in the tournament. The severe sanctions on Pakistan could choke them completely, as the revenue stream would be greatly affected. According to the reports, Pakistan may lose out on INR 317 crore ($34.5 million) as they have already signed the agreement to participate in the T20 World Cup.
🚨 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑺 🚨
Bangladesh reportedly remain on standby as Pakistan’s T20 World Cup participation remains uncertain. 👀
If Pakistan pull out, Bangladesh would replace them in Group A and play all their matches in Sri Lanka, as requested earlier by the BCB. 🏏
(Source:… pic.twitter.com/MdoF1hXPiU
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) January 27, 2026
Moreover, after Pakistan support Bangladesh, their bilateral Test series against England also face a risk of being canceled. England is set to host Pakistan for a three-match red-ball series from August 19 to September 9. If the ICC decides to ban Pakistan from playing bilateral series, the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) calendar will be left vacant, and the board will face a loss of their revenue. It will be due to the absence of the broadcasters and the sponsors, who could have paid handsome money to the board.
Pakistan will take a decision on their T20 World Cup participation this week 🏆📋
A tournament boycott is unlikely ✖️
[Via: Cricbuzz] pic.twitter.com/G5xOm9e7JR— Sport360° (@Sport360) January 27, 2026
In their pursuit to qualify for the World Test Championship final, the ECB will have to consult with other boards for playing against them during the same period. Overall, they are set to face a major setback if the series doesn’t go ahead as per the schedule.
