BCB treated ‘unfairly’; Pakistan’s India tour yet on the fence: T20 World Cup

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been mistreated following its reported exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup, calling it a clear example of “double standards” by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Speaking to the media on Saturday, the PCB chairman said, “I raised this issue [the decision about the BCB’s security concerns and the ICC’s reported decision] in the ICC meeting as well, and clearly said that the same criteria should apply to all teams,” adding that no country has the right to dictate terms to another.

In his media-talk, Naqvi said Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup, particularly its tour of India, will depend entirely on the decision of the federal government, stressing that the PCB is answerable to the government more than the ICC.

“The PCB has multiple plans regarding the T20 World Cup,” Naqvi said. “However, we will act strictly in accordance with the government’s instructions.”

Speaking about ongoing development projects, Naqvi said the Punjab government is working to beautify the entire PCB campus. He added that old enclosures have been removed and a comprehensive reform plan has been prepared to modernise facilities. He also revealed that work is underway on establishing a cricket stadium in Soon Valley as part of efforts to promote cricket across the country. The PCB chairman said that practical steps are being taken for the overall improvement of cricket in Pakistan, and infrastructure development remains a key priority.

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Regarding participation in the T20 World Cup, we will follow whatever decision the Government of Pakistan makes. If we are told not to go, then we will not go. Bangladesh has been treated unfairly; this is a double standard by the ICC: Mohsin Naqvi pic.twitter.com/uc1vr09ozH

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) January 24, 2026

Naqvi, who also serves as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), reiterated his earlier stance that Pakistan’s matches should be held at neutral venues. He recalled that India had opted to play all its matches of the Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy in the UAE, prompting Pakistan to propose Sri Lanka as a neutral venue for its games.

وادی سون میں ورلڈ کلاس کا کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم بنے گا pic.twitter.com/dHXnEdNTHU

— Zahid Gishkori (@ZahidGishkori) January 24, 2026

Clarifying Pakistan’s position, the PCB chairman said, “We will follow whatever decision the government of Pakistan makes. If we are told not to go, then we will not go.”