Pakistan will play the T20 World Cup despite boycott talk, says Harsha Bhogle

The decision has triggered fresh debate in Pakistan, where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened a potential boycott of the tournament.

The PCB is reportedly even considering skipping its match against India if it does participate. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the issue, with a final decision expected by Monday.

However, most analysts believe Pakistan are in no position to take such a drastic step. Renowned Indian commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle said a T20 World Cup is not a club competition where teams can choose whether or not to play specific matches.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Bhogle said: “This is not an inter-club match where you decide whether to turn up or give a walkover. This is a World Cup. Of course they will play. If they don’t, it would be a massive blow to Pakistan cricket.”

During the discussion, potential ICC sanctions for a World Cup boycott were also highlighted.

These could include temporary suspension from international cricket, loss of ICC tournament hosting rights, complications for foreign players receiving NOCs to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), loss of participation fees, suspension of revenue-sharing payments, possible exclusion from the Asia Cup, and even the loss of hosting rights for the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Bhogle believes Pakistan are fully aware of these consequences.

“They know they will come. This is just noise. If they say they won’t come, the ICC will simply say ‘okay’. No one will beg them. They know not playing would cause huge damage, so they will come,” he added.