ICC's 'double-pronged policy' on Bangladesh issue: Pakistan on the verge of World Cup boycott, government's final decision

Pakistan is set to take a big and tough stand over the exclusion of Bangladesh from the 2026 T20 World Cup. Terming the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision as 'unfair and discriminatory', the Pakistani government is seriously considering not allowing the country's national team to participate in the World Cup. Discontent in Islamabad over the event to be held jointly in India and Sri Lanka is intensifying.

Citing sources close to the government, Pakistan's influential daily The News reported that the federal government may clearly inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it should not participate in the World Cup in the current situation. The main reason for this dissatisfaction is the allegation that 'clear double standards' have been applied in the ICC's decision.

The incident began when the ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to play a match in Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Later, Scotland was included in the World Cup, excluding Bangladesh. After this decision, the Pakistani government reviewed the matter again and questioned the impartiality of the ICC.

An emergency meeting of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Monday to take a final decision on this matter. It is believed that a final announcement on Pakistan's participation in the World Cup may be made after the meeting.

A senior government official said, "The final decision lies with the Prime Minister. However, initial indications are that the government may not allow Pakistan to participate in the World Cup." He added, "This is not just a question of cricket, but a question of policy. Bangladesh has been deprived of its just rights. Such stepmotherly behavior by the ICC has forced us to think anew."

The source also said that double standards are not acceptable in the international sports arena. “On one hand, India gets the opportunity to choose the venue as per their convenience, while on the other hand, Bangladesh is not allowed to change the venue even on the grounds of security. If the ICC really wants global cricket, then this selective policy must be stopped,” he insisted.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his dissatisfaction with the ICC’s decision publicly. He said that excluding Bangladesh and including Scotland is proof of ICC’s policy inconsistency, which has damaged the fairness and credibility of cricket.

However, Naqvi made it clear that the PCB government’s decision in this regard will be considered final. “The decision of Pakistan to participate in the World Cup or not is entirely the government’s. The PCB will abide by that decision,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a meeting held in Lahore, Pakistani cricketers also assured their support to Chairman Naqvi. The players unanimously said that whatever decision the government takes—whether the World Cup is played or not—they will respect that decision.