🏏 Sethi Backs Naqvi as Pakistan Considers T20 World Cup 2026 Boycott
🌍 A World Cup Overshadowed by Politics
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was meant to be a global celebration of cricket — 20 teams, packed stadiums, and high-octane rivalries across India and Sri Lanka. Instead, less than a month before the first ball is bowled, the tournament is already drowning in controversy.
At the heart of the storm lies a deepening standoff between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), now threatening to pull in Pakistan as well. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has openly backed current PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, declaring that if Pakistan joins Bangladesh in boycotting the tournament, it may finally force the ICC to “look beyond India.”
This is no ordinary dispute. It is a clash over power, security, governance, and the future balance of international cricket.
🏟️ What Sparked the ICC–Bangladesh Crisis?
The controversy erupted when Bangladesh formally refused to send its national team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. While such objections are not unprecedented in international sport, the timing and context made this refusal explosive.
🔴 The Mustafizur Rahman Flashpoint
The situation escalated dramatically after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, reportedly following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
For the BCB, this move symbolised something larger:
- Political pressure disguised as administrative control
- Indian domestic cricket influencing international participation
- A lack of respect for sovereign cricket boards
In response, Bangladesh demanded a venue change — a request the ICC outright rejected.
⚖️ ICC’s Ultimatum and Bangladesh’s Defiance
After weeks of tense negotiations, the ICC delivered a blunt message:
- ❌ Venue will not change
- ⏰ 24-hour ultimatum to comply
- 📅 Tournament schedule remains intact
Rather than backing down, Bangladesh escalated the matter by approaching the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) — a rare and bold step that underlined the seriousness of their stance.
This defiance cracked open a long-simmering issue in world cricket: Is the ICC truly independent, or is it overly influenced by Indian cricket power?
🇵🇰 Pakistan Enters the Picture: A Potential Boycott
As the ICC–BCB dispute intensified, reports emerged that Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, may also boycott the tournament if Bangladesh withdraws.
This is where Najam Sethi’s voice became crucial.
🧠 Najam Sethi Backs Mohsin Naqvi
Speaking on the unfolding drama, Najam Sethi publicly endorsed PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, praising his grasp of cricket administration and geopolitics.
“Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good understanding of all aspects. Whatever decision Mohsin Naqvi makes will be right.”
Sethi made it clear that Pakistan is watching Bangladesh closely and that any decision would be strategic — not emotional.
🗣️ “This Is Not the Indian Cricket Council”
Sethi’s most striking remark cut straight to the heart of the controversy:
“If other countries stand up after Pakistan, the ICC will realise that this is not the Indian Cricket Council, but the International Cricket Council.”
This statement resonated far beyond Pakistan.
Why It Matters:
- India controls the largest share of ICC revenue
- The BCCI holds unmatched commercial influence
- Smaller boards often feel sidelined
Sethi’s comment reflects a growing frustration among Full and Associate Members who believe global cricket governance has become unbalanced.
📊 Cricketory Insight: When Politics Reshape Cricket
Cricket history is littered with moments when politics reshaped tournaments:
- 🚫 South Africa’s isolation during apartheid
- ⚔️ Pakistan–India bilateral suspensions
- 🏟️ Champions Trophy 2025 venue dispute
- 🌍 Hybrid models introduced for political neutrality
A Pakistan-Bangladesh boycott of a World Cup would be unprecedented in scale and could permanently alter how ICC tournaments are hosted.
💰 The Financial Earthquake Facing ICC
If Pakistan and Bangladesh pull out:
- 📉 Broadcast revenues could crash
- 📺 India–Pakistan matches lost
- 🤝 Sponsors may renegotiate deals
- 🌐 Global viewership declines
India vs Pakistan live alone is often valued at hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising and broadcast rights. Losing it would hit the ICC where it hurts most.
🏏 Impact on Players and Fans
For Players:
- Missed World Cup exposure
- Contract uncertainties
- Psychological toll
For Fans:
- Loss of iconic rivalries
- Frustration over politics
- Fragmented global cricket calendar
The real tragedy is that players and supporters become collateral damage in administrative power struggles.
🌐 Could Other Nations Follow?
Sethi hinted at a domino effect — and it’s not far-fetched.
Boards quietly watching include:
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- West Indies
- Associate nations wary of precedent
If multiple boards challenge ICC authority, the governance structure itself may need reform.
🔮 What Happens Next?
Possible scenarios:
- ICC Compromise – Neutral venues or hybrid model
- Bangladesh Withdraws Alone – Legal and financial fallout
- Pakistan Joins Boycott – ICC crisis
- Status Quo Holds – Long-term resentment grows
None of these outcomes are clean. All carry consequences.
🧩 Expert Analysis: Why Mohsin Naqvi’s Decision Is Pivotal
Mohsin Naqvi is not just a cricket administrator — he is a seasoned bureaucrat. His decision will weigh:
- National interest
- Player welfare
- Diplomatic signals
- Long-term ICC politics
Sethi’s backing gives Naqvi political cover to take a bold stance if required.
📌 FAQs
❓ Why is Bangladesh refusing to play in India?
A: Bangladesh cited security concerns and administrative pressure following Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release.
❓ Has Pakistan officially announced a boycott?
A: No. Pakistan is monitoring the situation and may decide if Bangladesh withdraws.
❓ What did Najam Sethi say?
A: He backed Mohsin Naqvi and said collective resistance could force ICC to act independently of India.
❓ Can ICC force teams to play?
A: Legally difficult. Forced participation risks lawsuits and reputational damage.
❓ Could the tournament be moved?
A: A hybrid or neutral model remains possible but unlikely without pressure.
🏁 Conclusion: A Defining Moment for World Cricket
The T20 World Cup 2026 is no longer just a cricket tournament — it is a referendum on power in world cricket.
Najam Sethi’s backing of Mohsin Naqvi signals that Pakistan is ready to challenge the status quo if necessary. Bangladesh has already drawn the line. Whether others follow will determine whether the ICC remains a truly international body — or one shaped disproportionately by a single powerhouse.
One thing is certain: the decisions made in the coming weeks will echo far beyond February 2026.
Cricket is watching. 🌍🏏