The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is consulting the government to decide whether to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, with a final decision expected within 24 hours. The matter comes amid rising tensions in international cricket and concerns over scheduling and player participation issues.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja in Lahore to discuss the situation. The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam, highlighting the regional concern over recent disputes affecting tournament schedules and player selection.
The issue escalated following Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s unexpected exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL), which triggered criticism and calls for fair treatment of players from all countries. PCB officials say they are weighing both diplomatic and cricketing considerations before taking any formal stance regarding the India match.
While no official statement has been released, sources indicate the board is expected to communicate its decision soon after receiving government guidance. Cricket analysts suggest that any boycott would have significant repercussions, not only for tournament standings but also for cricket diplomacy between Pakistan, India, and other cricketing nations.
Fans and sports commentators are closely monitoring the situation, with social media buzzing about the possible boycott. The PCB’s final decision will likely set a precedent for how cricket boards navigate political and sporting tensions in high-profile tournaments.
