Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, potentially jeopardizing the highly anticipated clash with India, due to the recent controversy surrounding Bangladesh's exclusion from the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly sought government intervention to decide on the team's participation following the ICC's decision to remove Bangladesh after they refused to play their matches in India citing security concerns.

Sources indicate that the Pakistan government is not pleased with what it perceives as unfair and discriminatory handling of the situation by the ICC. According to The News, a senior government source stated that Pakistan might be barred from participating in the T20 World Cup. The source emphasized that the issue goes beyond cricket, highlighting that Bangladesh has been deprived of its "legitimate right," and the ICC's "step-motherly treatment" has compelled Pakistan to reconsider its participation.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, has stated that the government's decision will be final. He mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently abroad, and the PCB will await his return before making any final decision on the matter. Naqvi also hinted that if Pakistan withdraws, the ICC may invite another team to take their place.

The controversy arose after the ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to move its matches from India, a stance taken after an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, allegedly expelled bowler Mustafizur Rahman amidst geopolitical tensions. The ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee rejected Bangladesh's appeal and replaced the team with Scotland.

Naqvi has criticized the ICC for its "unfair treatment" of Bangladesh, asserting that Bangladesh is a significant stakeholder and should not have been treated this way. He also questioned why the ICC has moved venues for Pakistan and India in the past but did not do the same for Bangladesh.

Amid the uncertainty, former cricketer Basit Ali has warned that Pakistan's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup could cause major losses for broadcasters, particularly because the highly-anticipated match between India and Pakistan would not take place.

During Wednesday's ICC Board meeting, Bangladesh's proposal to move fixtures was rejected by a decisive 14–2 vote, with Pakistan the lone supporter. The ICC stated that Bangladesh would no longer compete in the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate per the published match schedule. The BCB acknowledged the ruling, admitting there were no further options available.

Harbhajan Singh, former India off-spinner, has criticized Pakistan's stance, calling it an unnecessary attempt to frame the situation as a "2 vs 1" battle and questioned the intent and timing of the PCB's move.

If Pakistan does withdraw from the T20 World Cup, Uganda, currently ranked 21st, would likely be announced as their replacement.