The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed significant displeasure with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s vocal backing of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in a contentious venue dispute, raising the prospect of severe penalties against Pakistan, including exclusion from the Asia Cup, according to reports.
The controversy stems from Bangladesh’s unsuccessful push to relocate its T20 World Cup matches away from India, citing security issues. The BCB received support from Pakistan during ICC discussions, but the global governing body ultimately rejected the request and removed Bangladesh from the tournament lineup after the board refused to accept the original schedule.
Following the decision, Naqvi publicly criticised the ICC, accusing it of applying “double standards” and treating Bangladesh unfairly. He described Bangladesh as a “major stakeholder” in world cricket and questioned why venue adjustments were made in the past for other nations but not for Bangladesh. “One country can make any decision whenever it wants, while it is the opposite for another,” Naqvi told reporters. He further alleged selective decision-making, claiming one member nation was “dictating terms” and influencing the ICC disproportionately.
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Naqvi also stated that Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup would ultimately depend on a decision by the Pakistan government, adding that the PCB answers to governmental directives rather than the ICC alone. He emphasised that the Prime Minister would make the final call upon returning.
According to sources cited by The Indian Express, the ICC has warned Pakistan that if it follows Bangladesh in withdrawing from the T20 World Cup, it could face a range of sanctions. These would include a ban on all bilateral international series, refusal to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and exclusion from the Asia Cup.
The development highlights mounting tensions in international cricket administration, with the ICC reportedly determined to enforce compliance amid the ongoing row. Pakistan’s stance remains tied to governmental approval, leaving uncertainty over its involvement in the marquee event. (Word count: 348)
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