“We obey our government, not the ICC” - PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi warns ICC after Bangladesh’s exit from T20 WC 2026

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has alleged the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their ‘unfair’ treatment towards the Bangladesh cricket team, adding that Pakistan's participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign will depend on the decision made by their government.

For the unversed, Bangladesh decided to pull out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign following their pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s axing from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 season, citing recent developments in Bangladesh.

While the BCB requested the ICC to change their games from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns, the apex body rejected their request, stating that there were no security issues in the country. 

Nevertheless, Bangladesh decided to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026, following a discussion with the players on January 22. Following this, the ICC decided to go ahead and replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming tournament on Saturday, January 24. 

Speaking to the reporters after Bangladesh’s decision, PCB Chief Naqvi said that the apex body cannot have double standards, adding that Bangladesh should be allowed to participate in the competition.

“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,” Naqvi told the media.

“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,” he added.

Furthermore, Naqvi was asked if Pakistan would follow the same route as Bangladesh. Naqvi said that they will follow the instructions of the Pakistan government regarding the matter and make a decision accordingly.

"Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me. The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I'll be able to give you our final decision. It's the government's decision. We obey them, not the ICC," Naqvi stated.

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