Nawaz Threatens ‘Boycott’ but Pakistan Team Has Already Booked World Cup Tickets: 5 Key Points

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to decide on 30 January whether to boycott the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, former Pakistani cricketers have warned that taking such a step could lead to significant losses.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been insisting on a boycott of the T20 World Cup 2026 in protest against the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to exclude Bangladesh from the tournament. Naqvi even set a deadline from 30 January to 2 February after discussions with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. However, recent developments suggest that his threats may lack substance.

While PCB appears adamant about boycotting, the team’s flight tickets to Colombo have already been booked. Pakistan is scheduled to play all its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. This indicates that Pakistan has no intention of skipping the tournament and that Naqvi’s statements are likely aimed at asserting influence within the cricketing community. Reports also suggest that Naqvi has been advised by Pakistan’s President and military officials not to pursue a boycott.

Here’s what is happening in the matter in 5 key points:

1. Pakistan to travel with Australia to Colombo
The Pakistan team will depart for Colombo alongside the Australian squad. According to Telecom Asia Sport, Pakistan’s flights from Lahore to Colombo have been booked, and they will travel on an Air Lanka flight shared with Australia. The Australian team is currently in Pakistan for a three-match T20 series, starting today (29 January), as part of their World Cup preparations.

2. Advice from President and military officials
Naqvi met Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday to seek guidance regarding a potential boycott. Following the meeting, he announced that a decision would be made by Friday or the following Monday. Sources cited by Telecom Asia Sport claim that Sharif advised Naqvi against a full boycott and suggested showing support for Bangladesh in other ways. Naqvi also sought advice from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, the military, and former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja, all of whom recommended sending the team to Sri Lanka.

3. No boycott against India advised
Reports suggest that both the President and Ramiz Raja advised Naqvi not to boycott Pakistan’s match against India. Earlier, Jio News reported that PCB had considered four options: a complete tournament boycott, boycotting only the India match, wearing black armbands in support of Bangladesh, or dedicating each win to Bangladesh.

4. Possible ICC permission to wear black armbands
Some media reports suggest that Pakistan may participate in the World Cup while demonstrating support for Bangladesh. PCB could write to the ICC seeking permission to wear black armbands during matches. This follows reports that ICC asked Bangladesh to be ready to play in Pakistan’s absence, allowing them to host matches in Colombo if Pakistan withdrew.

5. Political and financial risks
Boycotting the T20 World Cup could have serious consequences for Pakistan. ICC may impose sanctions, preventing participation in future tournaments or bilateral series, effectively isolating Pakistan in international cricket. Pakistan could also lose its annual revenue share of around ₹340 crore from ICC. Additionally, ICC has warned PCB that foreign players may not receive NOCs to participate in the Pakistan Super League. Broadcasters may also seek compensation of approximately ₹348 crore for breach of the participation agreement.