The escalating tensions surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India starting February 7, have reached a boiling point following Bangladesh's withdrawal from the tournament. Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has strongly criticized the ICC's handling of the situation and has hinted at potential repercussions.

Bangladesh's decision to withdraw stems from security concerns and dissatisfaction with the ICC's rejection of their request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested the ICC to shift their matches from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, a plea that was ultimately turned down. This request followed an incident where Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the upcoming IPL season, further fueling tensions. The BCB viewed this exclusion as a sign of a hostile environment and sought assurances that their team would be safe and treated fairly during the World Cup.

Naqvi has emerged as a vocal supporter of Bangladesh's position, stating that the country deserves to participate in the T20 World Cup and criticizing the ICC for what he sees as unfair treatment. Speaking to the media in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi asserted that the ICC was exhibiting "double standards" and that "one country cannot dictate terms to others". He further warned the ICC that if they continued down this path, "they can bring a 22nd team if…," leaving the statement open-ended but implying potential further consequences.

The PCB chairman emphasized that the final decision on Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup rests with the Government of Pakistan, not the cricket board. "We are waiting for the Prime Minister's return to take a final call," Naqvi stated, adding that the PCB has "Plan A, B, and C ready" depending on the government's directive. This statement suggests that Pakistan is prepared to take significant action, potentially including withdrawing from the tournament, depending on how the situation unfolds.

Former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has also voiced his support for Naqvi's stance, backing a firm response from Pakistan. Sethi argued that the ICC must act as a truly global governing body and not prioritize the interests of a single nation. He welcomed Bangladesh's pushback, calling it a necessary challenge to what he sees as India's growing influence in world cricket and hinted that a united boycott could reshape cricket's power balance.

The ICC, however, has remained firm on its original schedule, asserting that independent security assessments have rated the risk level in India as low to moderate. The governing body has rejected proposals to swap groups or shift matches to Sri Lanka. With Bangladesh officially out of the tournament, reports indicate that Scotland is set to replace them.

The situation remains fluid and potentially damaging to the ICC's image. Mohsin Naqvi's strong words underscore the growing discontent among some cricket boards regarding the perceived dominance of certain nations within the ICC. Whether Pakistan will follow through with a boycott remains to be seen, but Naqvi's warning shot has undoubtedly put the ICC on notice.