ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the upcoming T20 World Cup, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed that Pakistan would make decisions prioritising the best interests of both Pakistan and Bangladesh as the two sides navigate the ongoing controversy.
During a meeting with the Prime Minister, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed him on the latest developments, with the Sharif reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of both nations throughout the dispute. The meeting comes at a time when the disagreement between the BCB and ICC is beginning to have far-reaching repercussions on the broader cricketing landscape, with multiple stakeholders involved.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Naqvi gave a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister on the BCB’s security concerns related to the T20 World Cup.Sources indicate that Naqvi expressed frustration with the ICC’s handling of the matter, accusing the governing body of applying “double standards” in its enforcement of rules – specifically, contrasting the treatment of different teams and circumstances.
Naqvi highlighted the disparity in how the ICC treated India and Bangladesh in similar security-related situations.
He pointed to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a decision that resulted in the tournament being moved to a neutral venue, with no penalties for India.
In contrast, when Bangladesh raised security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup, the ICC swiftly removed them from the tournament, replacing them with Scotland.
This decision has sparked further debate about the ICC’s perceived bias in its dealings with host nations and competing boards. Naqvi also warned that if Pakistan chose to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, it would risk forfeiting a substantial participation fee.
However, he stressed that the greater loss would be for India, as a potential absence of Pakistan in the tournament would deprive them of one of the most commercially lucrative and highly anticipated fixtures in international cricket.
The ICC’s controversial decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland has further intensified the dispute, with the BCB and ICC unable to reach a consensus over security protocols.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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