Raina Warns PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, Irfan Pathan Calls Pakistan’s Exit Threat “Nonsense”

Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan have launched sharp attacks on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi over repeated statements suggesting that Pakistan may pull out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India.

Reacting to the growing controversy, Raina issued a clear warning to Naqvi, stating that any withdrawal from the tournament would invite strict action from the International Cricket Council (ICC). He also squarely blamed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for Bangladesh’s exclusion from the World Cup, calling its security concerns “baseless.”

Bangladesh were recently replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India, citing security issues. The ICC, however, clarified that its security assessment found no credible threat, leading to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament.

Speaking to NDTV, Raina said, “Whatever happened with Bangladesh is their own mistake. India had made full security arrangements. Everything was in place.” He added that Bangladesh had a strong team capable of performing well in Indian conditions, especially with quality spinners, and that staying away from the tournament would cost them dearly.

Turning his focus to Pakistan, Raina delivered a stern message to PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who has repeatedly hinted at a possible boycott. “As the ICC chairman has clearly stated, strict action will be taken against boards that refuse to come to India,” Raina said. He emphasized that teams choosing to stay away would lose far more — both competitively and commercially.

Raina underlined India’s massive commercial and cultural significance in world cricket, noting that India will enter the tournament as defending champions and the world’s top-ranked T20 side. “By not coming to India, these teams and their fans will miss out on cricket at the highest level,” he said.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan took an even stronger stance, outright dismissing Pakistan’s withdrawal threat as “complete nonsense.” Pathan criticized the PCB’s reaction following Bangladesh’s removal and questioned the logic behind linking Pakistan’s participation to Bangladesh’s decision.

“The threat of Pakistan pulling out is absolutely baseless,” Pathan said, adding that international tournaments cannot be dictated by political posturing when security assessments clearly show no danger.

The controversy has reignited debate over the politicisation of cricket and the responsibilities of member boards toward global tournaments. With the ICC standing firm on its security evaluation, pressure is now mounting on the PCB to clarify its position and avoid further escalation that could lead to disciplinary consequences.